Health cited in Meyer's leaving

Urban Meyer is walking away from Florida because of health concerns, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

Meyer has a recurring burning sensation in his chest that doctors told him would raise cardiovascular risk factors if he continued to coach, the person told the Associated Press Sunday on condition of anonymity because Meyer's health issues are confidential.

The Gainesville Sun first reported the story.

Meyer announced his resignation Wednesday and said health was not the reason he was walking away. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family.

The person with knowledge of Meyer's health said the coach can resolve his chest pain with "constant monitoring," which he already has started doing.

Meyer first resigned Dec. 27, 2009, three weeks after he was rushed to a hospital because of chest pain. He changed his mind the following day and instead decided to take a leave of absence.

Newton's pro prospects. If Cam Newton decides to be one-and-done at Auburn and enter the NFL draft, he probably won't have to wait long to be taken.

Longtime NFL personnel man Gil Brandt, now working as a draft consultant, called Newton "the most exciting player I can ever remember watching" and said the quarterback has displayed all the physical skills necessary to be an NFL star.

"I am not an advocate of guys coming out of school early," Brandt said in a recent telephone interview. "But I think that if he does come out of school, I don't think there's any question he'll be selected in the first half of the first round [of the draft] unless there is something physically wrong with him."