Gators head coach Jim McElwain gives instructions at a recent practice. (Photo: Allison Curry/UAA Communications)
McElwain: 'I'm not naming a starter right now'
Wednesday, August 23, 2017 | Football, Scott Carter
Gators head coach Jim McElwain continues to evaluate the quarterback battle between Luke Del Rio, Feleipe Franks and Malik Zaire with the season opener quickly approaching.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- When are the Gators going to name a starting quarterback?
When it comes to Twitter questions, that one is high on the charts 10 days from Florida's season opener against Michigan.
You can keep asking.
"The competition has really brought out some good things," Gators head coach Jim McElwain said Wednesday. "You're gong to see a bunch of them in there playing. I'm not naming a starter right now."
The competition between last year's season-opening starter Luke Del Rio, redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks and newcomer Malik Zaire has been closely contested and tracked by McElwain throughout preseason camp.
While he has been stingy with information on his view of the battle, McElwain said he is not concerned about not being ready to name a starter.
"Not at all" McElwain said.
Why not? "Because I like the way they're playing."
Franks was No. 1 on the depth chart coming out of spring came as Del Rio recovered from multiple surgeries. Zaire, a fifth-year graduate student transfer from Notre Dame, joined the mix late in the summer.
Del Rio and Franks appear to have an edge over Zaire, but the Gators are giving all three plenty of reps to state their case and get prepared for the opener.
"Will all of them play? I don't know yet. Will a couple of them play? I don't know yet,'' McElwain said.
When it comes to Twitter questions, that one is high on the charts 10 days from Florida's season opener against Michigan.
You can keep asking.
"The competition has really brought out some good things," Gators head coach Jim McElwain said Wednesday. "You're gong to see a bunch of them in there playing. I'm not naming a starter right now."
The competition between last year's season-opening starter Luke Del Rio, redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks and newcomer Malik Zaire has been closely contested and tracked by McElwain throughout preseason camp.
While he has been stingy with information on his view of the battle, McElwain said he is not concerned about not being ready to name a starter.
"Not at all" McElwain said.
Why not? "Because I like the way they're playing."
Franks was No. 1 on the depth chart coming out of spring came as Del Rio recovered from multiple surgeries. Zaire, a fifth-year graduate student transfer from Notre Dame, joined the mix late in the summer.
Del Rio and Franks appear to have an edge over Zaire, but the Gators are giving all three plenty of reps to state their case and get prepared for the opener.
"Will all of them play? I don't know yet. Will a couple of them play? I don't know yet,'' McElwain said.
Players Mentioned
Gator Tales with Sean Kelley: Men's Hoops Preview with Todd Golden
Thursday, October 23
2025 Florida Athletics Hall of Fame - Kytra Hunter | Gymnastics 2012-15
Thursday, October 23
2025 Florida Athletics Hall of Fame - Theresa Andrews | Women's Swimming, 1981-83
Wednesday, October 22
2025 Florida Athletics Hall of Fame - Phil Pharr | Football 1978-80
Tuesday, October 21
