Jim McElwain addresses Antonio Callaway, Florida Gators

Jim McElwain strode to the podium inside the Touchdown Terrace at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The tarp behind him adorned with Gator, Verizon and Farm Bureau insurance logos, the latter a new addition to the 2016 backdrop.

A new sponsor and a new year and a crop of new players that McElwain is eager to see develop, but first, McElwain had to address the 700-pound gorilla in the room.

Antonio Callaway, Florida’s best returning offensive player, returned to the team last month but McElwain still hasn’t updated his status past that. Callaway has been apart of team meetings, lifting and practices, but it’s unsure if he’s eligible to be in class, or if he will be able to participate in games.

“There hasn’t been any change in his status,” McElwain said. “He’ll be practicing just like we said.”

McElwain also addressed two freshmen receivers that are currently facing multiple felony charges. Both Tyrie Cleveland and Rick Wells, who being represented by Gainesville attorney Huntley Johnson, will be at practice when the Gators open up camp on Thursday.

“They were dealt some pretty heavy consequences right as it happened,” coach McElwain said Wednesday during UF’s media day. “Those consequences have continued on. Nothing has been finalized.”

Nick de la Torre
A South Florida native, Nick developed a passion for all things sports at a very young age. His love for baseball was solidified when he saw Al Leiter’s no-hitter for the Marlins live in May of 1996. He was able to play baseball in college but quickly realized there isn’t much of a market for short, slow outfielders that hit around the Mendoza line. Wanting to continue with sports in some capacity he studied journalism at the University of Central Florida. Nick got his first start in the business as an intern for a website covering all things related to the NFL draft before spending two seasons covering the Florida football team at Bleacher Report. That job led him to GatorCountry. When he isn’t covering Gator sports, Nick enjoys hitting way too many shots on the golf course, attempting to keep up with his favorite t.v. shows and watching the Heat, Dolphins and Marlins. Follow him on twitter @NickdelatorreGC