GAINESVILLE -- Powell not ready

Starting linebacker Ronald Powell will not be back until at least October, UF coach Will Muschamp said Monday.

Powell, a Buck linebacker, sustained a torn ACL in his right knee during the Gators spring game on April 7. Muschamp originally said Powell would be out four to six months. Asked if he had a timetable for his return, Muschamp said, vaguely: “Not really. The first of October. Obviously, whenever they clear him to put some pads on and take on a block against a 330-pounder.”

Powell did not participate in any drills during Florida’s open practice on Saturday, but joined the team afterward, running easily with just a small sleeve on his right knee. He has been doing some workouts with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn but has not been cleared to return.

“Ronald Powell continues to progress very well,” Muschamp said. “I don’t know how loose that timeframe goes. It’s totally up to the doctors and what he feels good about.”

Defensive front set

As Florida begins game preparations on Wednesday for Bowling Green, the starters up front on the defensive line are set.

Asked if his starters would be Dominique Easley at end, Sharrif Floyd and Omar Hunter at tackle and Lerentee McCray at Buck, Muschamp said: “Probably so. Yeah, I would say. Again, the luxury we have a little bit more this year is the depth. We’ve got some guys we’re going to able to roll into the game.”

Dante Fowler Jonathan Bullard Earl Okine Damien Jacobs Leon Orr