Florida coach Meyer says starting quarterback Leak’s job is safe

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida coach Urban Meyer ended any speculation that freshman Josh Portis would replace struggling quarterback Chris Leak this season.

“That’s (put) to rest,” Meyer said Tuesday. “It’s been like that for over 100 years. That’s the way it is: ‘Let’s go to this. Let’s go to this.’ Chris Leak is our quarterback. To put the whole blame on him is absolutely not fair.”

Leak has completed 45 percent of his passes for 538 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions against Alabama, Mississippi State and LSU. He has been sacked 10 times in those three games and 21 times this season.

“When you have pressure like that, it’s pretty hard to set your feet and throw,” Leak said. “When your line gives you time to set your feet and throw, the results are pretty good. It gives your receivers time to get in their routes and everything. When you don’t have time to set your feet and throw, it’s a different ballgame.”

Leak injured his throwing shoulder Oct. 1 against Alabama and hasn’t been the same since. But he said his right shoulder was fine even though he received an anti-inflammatory shot before each of the last two games.

“It’s just a bruise,” he said.