Florida suspends 7, including Antonio Callaway, for opener vs. Michigan

Michigan’s first opponent will be without its most explosive player. 

Florida announced Sunday that seven players, including star junior receiver Antonio Callaway, have been suspended for the team’s season opener against the Wolverines.

The other players: junior end Keivonnis Davis, sophomore offensive lineman Richerd Desir-Jones, redshirt freshman defensive lineman Jordan Smith, freshman offensive lineman Kadeem Telfort, freshman linebacker Ventrell Miller and freshman linebacker James Houston. 

[Report: U-M increased to 4.5-point favorite vs. Florida]

"We have a small group of players that have made some choices that are extremely disappointing,” said Florida coach Jim McElwain in a statement. “Action has been taken — they have missed some practice and will miss the Michigan game.”

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The players were suspended for misusing school-issued funds, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity today because Florida did not release details of the suspensions.

Of the players suspended, Callaway’s absence will be felt the most. In 2016, he led the team with 54 receptions for 721 yards and three touchdowns.

Callaway is also a key contributor on special teams, having returned a total of 56 punts for 653 yards and two touchdowns in his career. He also took a kickoff back for a touchdown last year.

In the last meeting between the two teams, a 41-7 Michigan win in the 2016 Citrus Bowl, Callaway caught five passes for 75 yards.

Callaway would have presented a tough matchup for Michigan’s reshaped secondary, which lost every starter from last season.

In addition to Callaway, Davis and Telfort are expected to contribute for the Gators this season. As a sophomore, Davis appeared in all 13 games, starting five. He recorded 27 tackles (three for loss) with 1.5 sacks, five hurries — tying him for second on the team — and one forced fumble. He tallied a season-high five tackles against Alabama in the SEC championship game and forced a fumble against Iowa in the Outback Bowl.

Telfort, a 6-foot-7, 300-pound tackle, enrolled early and may play a key role up front. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Telfort was the first team left tackle Thursday after returning starter Martez Ivey — who has been dealing with swelling in his knee — left after just two snaps.

The Wolverines and Gators are set to meet Sept. 2 at AT&T Stadium in the 2017 Advocare Classic. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Download our Wolverines Xtra app for free onApple andAndroid devices!