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Foot injury to sideline James for Sugar Bowl
Andrew O’Brien | aobrien7@gmail.com
Florida Gators return specialist Brandon James, who leads the No. 5 Gators in all-purpose yards this season, will be out for the Allstate Sugar Bowl after having surgery on his right foot.
James, a senior from St. Augustine, broke a bone in his foot against Alabama in the SEC championship game and had surgery on his foot last week.
Florida coach Urban Meyer said James will be missed, but expects speedsters Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey to fill James’ void.
“James is a heck of a player, especially in the return game,” Meyer said. “But you know, the good thing is Rainey and Demps are very capable guys. I’m excited to watch them go get it.”
Meyer also added cornerback Joe Haden, one of the Gators best defensive players, will be in the mix to return some of the kickoffs and punts.
Florida takes on unbeaten Cincinnati (No. 3 ESPN/USA Today) on New Year’s Day.
James finished this season with 1,324 yards and two touchdowns, with 765 yards and a touchdown on kickoff returns and 244 yards returning punts.
