Seven players suspended, 3 others disciplined for opener

GAINESVILLE — Sophomore receiver Kadarius Toney and senior defensive end CeCe Jefferson headlined the list of seven Gators players suspended for Saturday’s game against Charleston Southern.

The suspensions of Toney and reserve defensive tackle Kyree Campbell stemmed from their role May 28 altercation on campus with a group of local Gainesville men. Jefferson sat out due to academic reasons, a source confirmed.

Jefferson also had offseason shoulder surgery, which may have contributed to his role as a reserve to junior Jachai Polite.

Defensive tackle Luke Ancrum, cornerback Brian Edwards, tailback Adarius Lemons and walk-on offensive lineman James Washington also did not play.

Toney, a versatile receiver who often lines up in the wildcat, will now have to wait until at least next Saturday’s visit from Kentucky to play in new coach Dan Mullen’s system. Jefferson is expected to thrive as a pass rusher in defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s 3-4 defensive alignment.

Three Gators sit out a series

Redshirt sophomore

Stone Forsythe started at right tackle in place of junior Jawaan Taylor, who coaches sat out a series for failing to meet the Gator standard.

Meanwhile, Polite and linebacker Vosean Joseph sat out the first defensive series for the same reason. Each returned for the second series. Joseph made a tackle on his first play.

Also, linebacker

Rayshad Jackson started in place of David Reese, who is nursing an ankle injury.

McPherson wins kicking job

Freshman kicker Evan

McPherson started at placekicker for the Gators.

The kicking battle was a bit of a mystery coming into Saturday. Mullen said last week that he could make the decision on the kicker spot as late as the team’s on-field warmups before the game.

McPherson also handled the team’s kickoff du- ties and made a 21-yard field goal to give UF a 10-0 lead.

Noteworthy

Sophomore cornerback CJ Henderson and fifthyear senior tight R.J. Ray

mond served as team captains. … Charleston Southern linebacker Edward

King was ejected on the game’s second play for targeting UF quarterback

Feleipe Franks as he slid at the end of a 4-yard run. … Ohio State transfer receiver Trevon Grimes scored the 2018 Gators’ first touchdown, turning a bubble screen from Franks into a 34-yard score. … Ma

lik Davis was the first running back with a carry after starter Jordan Scarlett.

Davis is playing in his first game since tearing his ACL against Georgia last season.

AP FILE Gators senior defensive end CeCe Jefferson was among seven players suspended for Florida’s season opener against Charleston Southern on Saturday.