Senior tight end Tate Casey has applied for a medical redshirt and is awaiting word on whether it will be granted.

Casey has played in 40 games, starting 12, but only saw action in the Western Kentucky game this season.  He had surgery on his right shoulder last week and has also battled a high ankle sprain.

" He can graduate right now, but he's going to try to double major and come back next year,'' UF coach Urban Meyer said. "He just had elbow surgery. He had the high ankle sprain and the elbow issue during the season, so he couldn't play.''

Although Casey's best seasons were prior to Meyer's arrival, Meyer said he would welcome Casey back.

  “Tate's a great guy,’’ Meyer said. “He's not been a great player, yet, for a lot of reasons. One was size. One was strength. The other was injuries. Hopefully he can overcome that and become a great player.''