Tennessee wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor has had nothing but good things to say about Florida’s defensive backs during preparation for Saturday’s game against the Gators.

"They’ll be the most athletic secondary we’ve seen," Taylor said Wednesday.

UT struggled against Florida last season as the Gators challenged the Vols with one-on-one press coverage. Taylor said that must change this time around.

"If they can put nine guys in the box and just cover us one-on-one," Taylor said, "it’s going to be a long day for Tennessee."

The key for UT against such an approach is to make plays downfield in the passing game. Does Taylor think Florida can stop UT’s receivers one-on-one?

"To be honest, no," Taylor said. "I have to go out there and see. I don’t know if they can or not. I’m going to find out."

Asked if Florida might change its game plan after seeing UT’s success through the air this season, Taylor said, "They’re not going to change for Tennessee. If it worked last year, why would it not work again?"

Taylor said he also didn’t expect Florida to pay any extra attention to junior receiver Robert Meachem, despite being the second leading receiver in the NCAA with 148.5 yards per game.

Meachem only had two catches for 29 yards last season when UT lost to Florida 16-7.

"He’s the same Meachem they saw last year," Taylor said. "He had the same ability and talent. He made some plays (this season) but — in their mind — against lesser talent.

"I don’t think they’ll go double him or put another guy out there. At least I hope they don’t. I hope they leave him matched up one-on-one."

Scouting Report: Slade said it’s obvious that quarterback Chris

Leak is more comfortable now that he’s in his second season under Florida coach Urban Meyer. Subsequently, Leak is throwing the ball better.

Slade said Leak is also more patient in the pocket and getting rid of the ball quicker.

"He’s matured," Slade said. "He’s a tougher kid."

Although Florida’s option is far different from the Air Force version that frustrated UT last week, Slade said the duties of his cornerbacks are very similar.

"It’s a discipline thing," he said. "The play-action pass is really good this week because you’re doing it with great wide receivers."

On the other side of the ball, offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe said Florida’s defense was tested by Central Florida’s receivers, despite the shutout performance by Florida’s defense.

"I thought Central Florida had a good-looking receiving corps," Cutcliffe said. "They were just able to cover them. It helps any coverage to have the pass rush they’ve got. and they’ve got an outstanding pass rush.

Florida beat UCF 42-0.

Tailback Trio: UT running backs coach Kurt Roper said he hasn’t seen any difference in tailback Montario Hardesty this week just because the sophomore figures to play a significant role in Saturday’s game.

"He’s such a hard worker to begin with," Roper said. "Obviously it excites guys when they know they’re going to get out there and have opportunities in a game."

Hardesty should have plenty of opportunities come Saturday if fellow sophomore Arian Foster can’t play.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer said Foster was very limited in Wednesday’s practice.

"He’s still tender," Fulmer said, referring to Foster’s sprained left ankle. "That’s a hard position to have a tender ankle at."

Foster’s injury could also mean more carries for redshirt freshman tailback LaMarcus Coker.

"LaMarcus has to fit into the mix," Roper said. "He’s practiced hard. He’s practiced well. He’s talented. He’s coming along. I have trust in LaMarcus."

That didn’t seem to be the case during last Saturday’s game against Air Force when Coker wasn’t inserted into the game. During the post game press conference, Fulmer said Coker should have played. Roper agreed.

Despite the oversight, Roper said Coker doesn’t seem miffed.

"I haven’t seen it," Roper said of a sagging attitude. "He’s somebody who’s had a great attitude and goes to work."

Emotion Report: Fulmer just shook his head when asked about UT’s emotional makeup after practice.

"I’ve quit trying to figure out 18-to-22-year-old boys," Fulmer said. "If they’re not excited about this football game, what would they ever be excited about in life. They’ll be ready."

Injury Report: Sophomore linebacker Jerod Mayo did not practice due to a sore left ankle. Senior defensive lineman Turk McBride returned after missing Tuesday’s practice. He is expected remain at tackle with return of Justin Harrell for one game.

Redshirt freshman Dan Williams returned from a sprained ankle suffered during practice last week.