Toney, Copeland see merits in opting out

GAINESVILLE — Florida Gators playmakers Kadarius Toney and Jacob Copeland posted on social media that they see some merits to opting out of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On Monday, Toney wrote on his Twitter account that sitting out this season “might be the better decision.”

Copeland responded that Toney might have the right idea, and also tweeted, “Health over football,” followed by a thumbs-up symbol.

After some push back on Twitter, Toney replied, “Before you tell me what i should with MY life, Go tell my bro same thing you telling me … He just lost his life due to COVID-19.”

The players will have to decide whether to play or sit out this season.

Illinois running back Ra’Von Bonner and Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley announced they will opt out of 2020 season.

Farley is projected to be a mid-first round draft pick unlikely to improve his draft stock considerably by playing.

Toney, though, decided to return for his senior season after a shoulder an injury cost him six games in 2019. Toney scored on a 66-yard catch and averaged 11.1 yards on 68 touches the past two seasons but also has missed nine games due to injury and needs to shore up his passcatching skills.

Copeland, a junior, is a physical marvel able to run a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash and bench-press 400 pounds, but he must eliminate drops and expand his grasp of the offense.

UF was scheduled to open preseason practices Friday. But last week, the SEC decided to cut the season to 10 conference games, beginning Sept. 26 — three weeks later than originally planned.

It is unclear how schedule changes will preseason camp. the impact