GAINESVILLE -- Four days before the biggest college football game of the season, University of Florida's star defensive end was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence in Gainesville.

Carlos Dunlap, a 6-6, 290-pound pass rusher, was booked into Alachua County Jail at 5:52 a.m. on Tuesday after Gainesville police found him passed out behind the wheel at a traffic light at around 3:25 a.m. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and was released from jail later Tuesday morning. On Tuesday afternoon, Florida coach Urban Meyer said Dunlap would not play Saturday in the Southeastern Conference championship game. Top-ranked Florida (12-0) plays No. 2 Alabama (12-0) at the Georgia Dome at 4 p.m.

``Carlos obviously made a very poor decision,'' Meyer said. ``I have not talked to him or his family yet. He's not going to play, but I want to visit with him and his family first and go from there.''

NFL Draft analysts project Dunlap to be selected in the first round of the 2010 Draft if he elects to forgo his senior season of eligibility at UF. Dunlap had 35 tackles during the regular season, including seven sacks. He also deflected six passes.

Dunlap was an imposing force on the defensive line for the Gators. He was the team's best lineman and was named the most outstanding defensive player of the 2008 BCS national championship. Dunlap had four tackles and half a sack against Oklahoma and pressured Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford throughout the game. Dunlap had three tackles and two quarterback hurries during last season's SEC championship game. Florida defeated Alabama 31-20.

Meyer said Dunlap's arrest was a distraction for his team. Dunlap was the first UF player to be arrested since cornerback Janoris Jenkins was arrested in June for his role in a bar fight. From quarterback Tim Tebow's concussion to a flu outbreak to linebacker Brandon Spikes attempted eye-gouge of a Georgia running back, the UF football team has dealt with plenty of distractions this season. Dunlap's arrest might be the most significant.

Meyer called his star's arrest ``stunning.''

To guard against more unwanted distractions, Florida limited media access to its players Tuesday evening.

Junior defensive end Justin Trattou will take the place of Carlos Dunlap on Saturday. Trattou has 13 tackles this season and one sack. His 53-yard interception return against South Carolina in the fourth quarter was one of UF's most important plays of the regular season.

Reserve defensive ends Duke Lemmens and William Green will also likely receive more playing time.