Gators encouraged by virus test results
GAINESVILLE — The Florida Gators are nearing the start of preseason camp Aug. 17 with a clean bill of health.
No UF players have tested positive for COVID-19 since mandatory workouts began July 14 or been quarantined due to contact with infected individuals, a source close to the program told the Orlando Sentinel. The Gators’ run of good health continued following last weekend despite coaches giving the team three days off.
Since the March 13 shutdown caused by the illness, 21 UF football players have tested positive for COVID-19, the source said. But those within the program are encouraged the protocols put in place, and player adherence to them have prevented additional COVID-19 infections.
The Gators began the second phase of training leading up the start of preseason practices ahead of the modified 2020 season. SEC programs are allowed to conduct 14 hours per week of strength and conditioning training, meetings and walkthroughs until Aug. 16. During activities, UF has split a squad of around 105 players into two groups.
Coach Dan Mullen’s team was ranked No. 8 in the top-25 coaches poll released Thursday and is expected to make a push for the SEC East title and a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
But the spread of COVID-19 infections nationwide has raised safety concerns and prompted the SEC to switch to a conference-only 10-game schedule. The Mid-American Conference, which was hit hard by Power 5 programs’ decision to slash nonconference games, on Saturday became the first of 11 Football Bowl Subdivision leagues to cancel the 2020 season.
UCF paused the start of its preseason football camp after players raised concerns about safely traveling for college football games. UConn decided to cancel its season while football activities at Rutgers, Michigan State and Northwestern remain on hold following COVID-19 cases among athletes or staff.
The SEC on Friday released medical guidelines for the fall sports seasons. Football players will be required to test for COVID-19 up to three times a week. Football players must be tested at least twice weekly during competition, typically six days and three days prior to a game.
An SEC medical task force also recommended schools look to provide a third test to deliver reliable, rapid results during a time frame closer to competition.