Urban Meyer received some, ahem, praise from a former player yesterday but it’s doubtful that it’s the kind of praise he’d want.  Ex-Gator defensive back Janoris Jankins — booted by Will Muschamp after a pair of back-to-back marijuana arrests — is starting over at North Alabama.  In his view, he wouldn’t be at North Alabama if Meyer were still running the Florida program:


“No doubt, if Coach Meyer were still coaching, I’d still be playing for the Gators.  Coach Meyer knows what it takes to win.”


Meaning weed?  Or meaning the ability to look the other way when a star player gets busted for weed?

Perhaps that’s why Meyer’s players rolled up some 30 arrests in Alachua County on his watch.  When there’s no fear of punishment, there’s no reason for one to stop “dabbling in the illicits” as a friend of mine used to say.

Former Florida coach Urban Meyer will be joining ESPN’s college football team as a regular analyst for the network.  He will work weekly regular-season games and provide studio analysis for “College Football Live” and “College GameDay” according to ESPN’s website.

And that’s great news for the Florida football program.

The idea of Meyer staying around campus, having an office, and dropping by practice sounded nice at Will Muschamp’s introductory presser, but no new coach wants the old coach hanging around and looking over his shoulder.  Players upset with Muschamp might try to drop by Meyer’s office for advice or a shoulder to cry on.  Not good.  Now that likely won’t be a problem.

“Coach Meyer brings a fresh voice and a contemporary knowledge of the game,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN’s executive VP for production.  “As he showed during BCS coverage, his ability to communicate the strategic aspects of the game and his incredible track record for success will serve college football fans everywhere.”