GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida head coach
Jim McElwain was back in front of the microphones a short while ago to discuss his team's progress in spring camp.
The Gators are in their third week of camp this week after holding two practices prior to UF's spring break and then returning to action following a week off.
Here is a quick-hit notebook of items McElwain discussed today when not talking about the UF men's basketball team's run to the Sweet 16.
"Mike's got those guys playing unselfish,'' McElwain said. "Can't say enough good things there."
Now, back to football:
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--Redshirt freshmen quarterbacks
Feleipe Franks and
Kyle Trask "executed at a high level" in a recent situational-drills practice, which McElwain was clearly pleased about. He wants to see more of the same this week leading up to Saturday's scrimmage. Meanwhile, quarterback
Luke Del Rio continues to recover from shoulder surgery and McElwain said he is upbeat and doing a good job of staying involved with the young quarterbacks.
--McElwain confirmed redshirt freshman offensive lineman
Brandon Sandifer, who signed with the Gators in 2015 out of Northside High in Warner Robins, Ga., is no longer on the team. McElwain did not disclose a reason. Sandifer played as a reserve in two games last season.
--Speaking of the offensive line, McElwain said new position coach
Brad Davis has instilled a "renewed sense of how they go about it" and that has improved the O-Line's performance in camp. Meanwhile,
Tyler Jordan and
Brett Heggie are taking reps behind starting center
T.J. McCoy. "Trying to create some depth,'' McElwain said.
--Receiver
Dre Massey, coming off knee surgery after getting hurt on the opening kickoff last season, has not lost any of his trademark speed from what McElwain said he has seen at practice. In addition, other than those ruled out at the start of spring camp, only offensive linemen
Kavaris Harkless (leg) and walk-on
Nick Villano (high-ankle sprain) are hampered by injuries according to McElwain.
--Redshirt junior defensive tackle
Taven Bryan has always had an impressive skill set for a player who is listed at 6-foot-5, 293 pounds. With
Caleb Brantley departed, the Gators look for Bryan to fill some of that void. So far, so good according to McElwain. "He has been our most consistent day-to-day in drills," McElwain said. "He's counted on now. He's got to fill those shoes. So far, he is doing a good job."
--Meanwhile, fellow defensive lineman
Cece Jefferson will play inside and outside again this season. No surprise there. "He just loves to play,'' McElwain said of the junior from Baker County. "He's not too cool for school. His day-to-day approach is good."
--Running back
Mark Thompson had an inconsistent first season at Florida after transferring from a Kansas junior college. However, he finished the season strong with a big touchdown on a screen pass in Florida's victory over Iowa in the Outback Bowl and appears to have maintained some of that momentum in spring camp. "I've been really happy with
Mark Thompson,'' McElwain said. "He's taken some maturity steps."
--McElwain voiced a positive tone for all the offensive position groups on Monday, which is a good sign considering for the program to reach the next level, an increase in offensive production is a must. McElwain said the players on offense are focused. "They got a little bit of a chip on their shoulder," McElwain said. "I think they are tired of hearing [the criticism]. That's a good thing."
--Freshman tight end
Kemore Gamble joins a position group that is deep with
C'yontai Lewis,
DeAndre Goolsby and
Moral Stephens. But the early enrollee from Miami has made a favorable first impression. "His toughness has really shown up,'' McElwain said.
--Last but not least, McElwain said the running backs and receivers have been arguably the most competitive position groups in camp. He also pointed toward the linebackers with the loss of
Alex Anzalone and
Jarrad Davis, plus sophomore
David Reese out this spring due to wrist surgery. McElwain said
Jeremiah Moon, who is expected to receive a redshirt for missing most of last season with an injury, has been a factor at the position midway into camp. Moon, Reese,
Kylan Johnson and
Vosean Joseph provide a strong nucleus among the linebackers returning.
