Notebook: Driskel back, lineman out

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Florida junior quarterback Jeff Driskel was able to return to the practice field on Thursday, working out with the team for the first time since his appendectomy surgery on July 31.

Today will be Driskel's second practice in shorts and a helmet, and then per NCAA rules, he must have two more practices in shells before he can participate in full pads.

Driskel said that despite missing some time on the field, he feels mentally prepared in his second year in the offense.

"I think I'm up to speed," he said. "The second year in the offense means there's not really anything I haven't done yet. I think I've done a good job of staying alert in the meetings and getting the mental reps. I think I'm good to go."

Driskel said he feels fine and is ready to go full force in practice when he is allowed.

"I wasn't limited at all, I was full go. I didn't have any pain, no issues. I didn't get all the reps I'd like to because I'm still in the acclimation period, so I couldn't be out there in pads. But other than that, I wasn't limited at all."

Driskel says his overall understanding of his role is why he will be a better quarterback this season.

"I know where to throw the ball in certain situations, and we're a lot better at timing. I'm getting the ball out before [receivers] are breaking rather than waiting for them to break to throw the ball.

He went on to say the young receivers are getting great coaching from wide receivers coach Joker Phillips and great experience going against the Gators' talented defense in practice.

"They can't just blow by everybody and it's definitely more physical off the line. They've got to be better with their releases and really have a plan for press or Cover 2 or off coverage. It's a lot different. It's not just one look from a defense."

This & That

Will Muschamp expressed great disappointment for redshirt senior wide receiver Andre Debose and freshman linebacker Matt Rolin, who both have been lost for the season with torn ACL injuries.

"There's a possibility of [Debose] coming back for a sixth year, he and I discussed that a little bit. But we're in the early stages right now, and he's very, extremely disappointed," said Muschamp.

"Matt Rolin, again non-contact situation. A guy that was making tremendous progress for us a guy that was going to play for us this year was going to be on special teams and be a backup SAM linebacker. He's still got a tremendous future at the University of Florida and will be a really good football player. He's physical, he's tough, he's smart and I just really hurt for both of those guys."

Also, sophomore linebacker Antonio Morrison, who was suspended from team activities after an off-season arrest, has rejoined the team. However, he is still working through some things and Muschamp would not comment on whether his two game suspension will be reduced after his most recent charges were dropped.

Injury updates

Senior defensive tackle Damien Jacobs has a left knee sprain and will be out about ten days. Freshman offensive tackle Roderick Johnson will have surgery to repair a previously injured right meniscus and will be out 3-4 weeks. Senior cornerback Jaylen Watkins has a minor foot sprain and will be out about ten days.