Hargreaves earns national honors

GAINESVILLE — Vernon Hargreaves III has battled minor injuries and has not even been the Florida Gators best cornerback some weeks.

But Hargreaves, a two-time All-SEC pick, remains regarded as one of the best players at his position.

ESPN.com and CBSSports.com each selected Hargreaves to its midseason All-America teams. The UF junior was the only member from the Gators’ talented defense on either team.

Hargreaves’ selection came days after he struggled at LSU. The Tigers fooled Hargreaves on a flea flicker that resulted in a 51-yard catch by Malachi Dupre. During the Tigers’ game-winning fake field goal, Hargreaves was on the side of the field where kicker Trent Dominigue caught the pass and out-raced Hargreaves for a 16-yard score.

Teams often avoid attacking Hargreaves. He has just four passes defended in six games, but a team-best three interceptions. Meanwhile, sophomore cornerback Jalen Tabor has eight passes defended in six games.

Hargreaves did not make the midseason All-SEC team of website gridironnow.com. But defensive tackle Jon Bullard, linebacker Antonio Morrison and safety Marcus Maye did, along with punter Johnny Townsend.

The Gators’ search via Twitter for a walk-on kicker yielded more than 200 responses. Kickers Jorge Powell and Austin Hardin are injured, leaving Florida in search of some help at the position.

Next game: No. 13 UF vs. Georgia, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 31, CBS