Callaway clear to play in UF opener on Saturday
GAINESVILLE UF sophomore Antonio Callaway’s difficult offseason ultimately did not cost the Gators’ star wide receiver any playing time.
Callaway has been cleared to play during the team’s season opener Saturday in the Swamp against UMass. Coach Jim McElwain said he learned from university officials on Friday Callaway would be available for the game, ending a high-profile, sevenmonth saga for the sophomore from Miami.
Callaway was suspended on Jan. 27 because a female student said he had sexually assaulted her in December. Callaway did not participate in spring practices and was banned from campus until June.
During a Title IX hearing Aug. 12, a school-appointed hearing officer— former UF athlete and longtime football booster Jake Schickel— determined Callaway did not commit sexual assault or violate the school’s code of conduct.
The accuser had until Friday to appeal the ruling, paving the way for Callaway’s return. Callaway has been on the field practicing since preseason camp opened Aug. 4, but his playing status had been unclear.
“We’re fired up to have Antonio in the lineup,” UF quarterback Luke Del Rio said. “He’s been consistent every day and worked really hard to get it shape. And whenhe came back, we embraced him with open arms and he’s done a great job getting back intothe groove.
Two weeks ago, McElwain said Callaway had “dealt with a lot” while he was suspended and taking online classes from Miami.
“There was a lot of time there, a lot of time to sit and think and really look deep down inside of you,” McElwain said
The 19-year-old is expected to be the centerpiece of UF’s offense after a breakout freshman season in 2015. He set a record for receiving yards by a first-year freshman (678 yards) and averaged 17.6 yards and scored six touchdowns on 66 overall touches.
“It’s just great to have all of our weapons back on the field,” slot receiver Brandon Powell said.
The Gators will face the Minuteman Saturday night without several suspended players, including All-SEC cornerback Jalen Tabor. Tabor and tight end C’yontai Lewis were suspended from team activities after a fight at practice on Aug. 16. The two players returned to practice Thursday but will sit out Saturday’s game.
McElwain said freshman wide receivers Tyrie Cleveland and Rick Wells also will be suspended. Cleveland and Wells were arrested July18 after being accused of firing BB guns and causing more than $1,000 in property damage at Keys Residential housing on the UF campus. Both charges are felonies. The cases remains open.