Billy Napier expects Tennessee's Cooper Mays to face the Gators

Will he or won't he? That's been the question about whether starting Tennessee center Cooper Mays will be ready for the game against Florida. Mays underwent a minor surgical procedure a few weeks before the season started that has kept him out through the Vols' first two games of the season. With Tennessee massive favorites […]

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Sep 11, 2023 7:55 PM EDT

Will he or won't he?

That's been the question about whether starting Tennessee center Cooper Mays will be ready for the game against Florida. Mays underwent a minor surgical procedure a few weeks before the season started that has kept him out through the Vols' first two games of the season. With Tennessee massive favorites in both games, that was never a concern.

Now, the Volunteers are headed to Gainesville this weekend for a clash with the Florida Gators on Saturday night. The Vols, who are seeking their first win in Gainesville in 20 years, are hoping to have Mays back in the middle of the line for the contest. Josh Heupel, while not saying he would play, hinted at him being available for the game during his press conference on Monday.

"He was with us last week," Heupel said. "Warmed up with us. We made a decision pretty early in the week that he probably would not play in that football game. We anticipate him having a good week of practice here and being ready."

Regardless of Heupel's comments, his counterpart in Gainesville said Monday that they expect to see the senior center on Saturday.

"The center has been out," Napier said. "I think they'll get him back. I think he makes it go. His ability to communicate and really dictate the tempo and pace of the game."

High praise from Napier, and he's spot on about the communication aspect. Florida's defensive line is talented, and it showed against Utah, as the Gators held the Utes to just 3.5 yards per carry. Having an experienced player like Mays to be able to call out the assignments in Tennessee's fast-paced offense is critical.

Although not yet certain, it appears there's a decent chance that Mays could be back on the field on Saturday. And if so, Napier and the Gators will be ready for him.