Michigan Football: Seven Gators suspended for opener
Michigan's opponent in the season opener, Florida, announced Sunday afternoon seven players will miss the Sept. 2 game due to suspension, including 2016 leading receiver Antonio Callaway.
Callaway caught 54 passes for 721 yards and three touchdowns last season, and was listed as the No. 11 2018 NFL Draft prospect, regardless of position, by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. this spring. He is the most costly loss, although junior defensive end Keivonnis Davis started five times in 2016 and totaled 27 tackles with three tackles for loss.
The other players who will be unavailable are: sophomore defensive lineman Richerd Desir-Jones, freshman linebacker James Houston, freshman linebacker Ventrell Miller, redshirt freshman defensive lineman Jordan Smith and freshman offensive lineman Kadeem Telfort.
"We have a small group of players that have made some choices that are extremely disappointing," head coach Jim McElwain said in a statement released by the school. "Action has been taken — they have missed some practice and will miss the Michigan game. We will use this as a learning opportunity and we will have some players step up as we move forward."
The Gators and Wolverines are scheduled to open the campaign in Arlington, Texas, at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 2. Television coverage for the first-ever regular-season meeting between the schools (they have played in three bowl games, all of which were won by U-M) will be provided by ABC.
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