Gators Notebook: Freshman Opportunities, a Dante-Less D-Line, More Tidbits
Friday, August 7, 2015 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The door is wide open for Florida's freshman class to make an impact in its first season on campus.
Following the Gators' first practice sessions of preseason camp Thursday – upperclassmen practiced first, immediately followed by newcomers and a few veterans – head coach Jim McElwain said he was impressed at how the first-year players performed.
“The freshman crew that was out there [for] its first day, good part is a lot of guys looked the part,'' he said. “The first thing is we've got to do a great job of educating and teaching off film.”
Freshman offensive lineman Martez Ivey, all 6-foot-6, 290 pounds of him, looked the part as he led the group through warm-up exercises to get practice underway. Ivey, running back Jordan Scarlett, receiver Antonio Callaway, offensive lineman Richerd Desir-Jones, defensive lineman Cece Jefferson linebacker Rayshad Jackson aresome of the players that drew good reviews from their veteran teammates over summer workouts.
While the defense returns plenty of talent, the young offensive players will be watched closely throughout camp to see if they can contribute immediately.
Offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier is searching for talent to boost an offense that has been stagnant in recent seasons and is open to all options.
“I've always believed that the player themselves will determine whether or not they redshirt,'' he said. “If a player comes in and is the best player at their position, they should play. If they are capable and ready, let's get them out on the field.”
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A DANTE-LESS D-LINE
The loss of defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr. opened a big hole to fill for a Florida defense among the best in the country the past four seasons.
However, perhaps not as large as some may think.
“We've got some big guys up there, some good-looking guys on the D-line,'' McElwain said.
Redshirt junior Bryan Cox Jr. agrees.
Cox started 10 games last season before missing the Birmingham Bowl following hip surgery. Cox said he is 100 percent and expects the defensive line to surprise people in 2015.
“I feel like people think we lost everything because we lost Dante,'' Cox said. “He was the No. 3 pick, but we have a lot of talent still here. I think now it's just about putting the finishing touches on it and going out and getting it done.”
Jonathan Bullard, Caleb Brantley, Joey Ivie and Alex McCalister all return, and redshirt freshmen Taven Bryan, Khairi Clark, Justus Reed and Jordan Sherit are competing for spots in the rotation.
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COMMUNICATION IS KEY
McElwain constantly refers to notes he carries around at practice and among the things he wanted to see the Gators do well Thursday was communicate.
“There's things that need to occur to help – whether it's a defensive call or an offensive call – it be successful,'' he said. “The only thing I was disappointed in the spring the lack-of-communication part.”
McElwain stressed the importance of communication in the offseason and from what he saw Thursday, the message was heeded.
“Usually when you see a big play or a bust, it's because somebody didn't communicate on either side of the ball,'' he said. “You could tell they took that to heart as to how they must have communicated over the summer as they were going through some of these things, the player-led workouts. I'd say that was the one real positive that I got out of it today.”
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SEEKING IMPROVEMENT
The quarterback competition between Will Grier and Treon Harris got off to a slow start.
Grier threw some nice passes early while Harris missed some throws. Harris heated up later in a so-so day for the quarterbacks and receivers.
“It wasn't great by any stretch of the imagination,'' McElwain said. “Pitching and catching is the No. 1 thing we've got to consistently get better at and I know we will.”
Graduate transfer Josh Grady was part of the second practice session and did a nice job. Grady transferred to UF over the summer from Vanderbilt and is eligible to play immediately.
He threw only 27 passes for the Commodores while splitting time at receiver.
“[He] commanded the huddle and commanded the line of scrimmage,'' McElwain said. “Those are things that are really important in playing the position.”
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QUOTE OF NOTE I
“It was great to be out there. This was a long time coming. I think the future is bright for us, and that's exciting.” – McElwain on general tone of Day One
QUOTE OF NOTE II
“They've been working around the clock. They've run three shifts. They're doing everything they can to get the Gators indoors. They're ahead of schedule. I don't know what that means, but I do know this: They're working their tails off to get us in there.” – McElwain on progress of team's indoor practice facility, which is expected to be completed by the end of August
