Senior return specialist/running back Brandon James has played his last game for the Gators.

James underwent surgery on his right foot last week and will not play in the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl. He injured the foot against Alabama in the Dec. 5 SEC Championship game, and sat out the entire second half. He said after the game that he wasn't sure of the extent of the injury, but hoped to be able to play in his final bowl game.

"James is a heck of a player, especially in the return game," UF coach Urban Meyer said. "But the good thing is (Chris) Rainey and (Jeff) Demps are also very capable guys. I'm kind of excited to watch them go get it.''

Meyer said CB Joe Haden might also join Demps and Rainey on the return unit when the Gators play Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl.

James, UF’s all-time punt return yards leader with 1,371, ranks seventh in the NCAA among active players in career punt return average (11.7) and second in punt return yards. He is also second among active players with four career punt return touchdowns and tied for fifth in combined kickoff and punt.