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Muschamp denies hiring report

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Florida coach Will Muschamp said Internet reports that he had hired a strength and conditioning coordinator are incorrect.

"I haven't hired anybody," Muschamp said after the Gators' light workout at Jacksonville University on Tuesday afternoon. "I've talked to a lot of people at the strength position and the offensive coordinator's position, and when I make the hire everybody will know. No one has been hired. No one's been offered a job yet."

Earlier this week, coaching websites CoachingSearch.com and FootballScoop.com reported that Muschamp had hired Jeff Dillman, who is the head of physical conditioning at the IMG Performance Institute in Bradenton, Fla., to replace Mickey Marotti, who is now at Ohio State. Dillman has worked at LSU, Appalachian State and Louisiana-Monroe. His time at LSU (2003-06) overlapped Muschamp's tenure there (2001-04).

McCray, Wenger battling injuries

Muschamp said linebacker Lerentee McCray is doubtful for the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl against Ohio State because of a shoulder injury. Center/guard Dan Wenger, who has been battling a nagging ankle injury, should play, Muschamp said. Both of them, along with injured cornerback Jeremy Brown (knee) did not participate in UF's workout on Tuesday.

"Lerentee, again with his shoulder, we’ve exhausted about every measure we can as far as the shoulder’s concerned trying to work and get total range of motion and strength back," Muschamp said. "It just has not come back to this point."

McCray has started five games and has 24 tackles. Wenger has started 11 games.

Missing practice

Running back Jeff Demps missed practice with what Muschamp said was a personal issue. He will join the team on Wednesday. Receiver Deonte Thompson also missed practice because of illness. He remained at the team hotel.