Not-so-sweet ending: Florida yardage leader to miss Sugar Bowl
By Bud L. Ellis
When the Florida Gators take on Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Night, they’ll do so without their leader in all-purpose yardage.
Kick returner Brandon James, who left the Gators’ SEC title game loss against Alabama with a broken bone in his right foot Dec. 5, will not play when the Gators take on the Bearcats at the Louisiana Superdome.
James has had surgery on the foot and has been ruled out of the game.
The senior has enjoyed a stellar season for the 12-1 Gators, ranked No. 5 in the nation. James finishes his season with 1,324 total yards and two touchdowns. His biggest impact came returning kicks for Florida, where he gained 756 yards and scored one touchdown. James also caught a touchdown pass this season, finishing with 215 yards receiving, 244 yards on punt returns and 109 yards rushing.
Chris Rainey, Jeff Demps and Joe Haden will take over on special teams in James’ absence.
The loss of James takes away a playmaker who caused coverage teams fits with his breakaway speed this season.
—30—
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 7:25 pm by bud
Tags: Alabama, Brandon James, Chris Rainey, Cincinnati, Florida, Jeff Demps, Joe Haden, Louisiana Superdome, SEC championship, Sugar Bowl
