The Gator football team officially began their national title defense with their first practices of the year. Freshman quarterback Cam Newton, who was an early enrollee at Florida, did not attend practice. Newton is working through academic issues, and will rejoin the team later in the week.

Head Coach Urban Meyer said the freshman looked good and said he already knows who will be playing out of the group, although he would not tip his hand. "These guys are in survival mode right now," Meyer said after practice.

By Chris Price WCJB TV20 Sports