Jim McElwain addressed the media on Monday after a disappointing 17-16 loss to LSU over the weekend. There were several injuries in the game and he updated on the statuses of those players as well as the team’s mindset heading into the Texas A&M game.
Here’s what he said:
• Nick Washington re-aggravated a shoulder injury and will be out this week.
• Brett Heggie is questionable. He is going through concussion protocol this week.
• Tyrie Cleveland is still questionable with a high ankle sprain.
• Chauncey Gardner, Jeremiah Moon and Kadarius Toney will not go at practice today. They will be evaluated as the week goes on.
• If Kadarius Toney can’t go this week, Dre Massey will be the guy in the wildcat.
• Pass protection will be a key against Texas A&M. McElwain said the Gators have to get better at that moving forward.
• McElwain said having a young quarterback along with all the injuries and suspensions are not excuses to struggle on offense.
• Feleipe Franks continues to have a good attitude and is working hard. McElwain said he just needs some time and needs guys to get open.
• Malik Zaire is doing a good job of pushing Franks in practice, but Franks will still be the starter this week.
• There were several frustrated comments posted by players after the LSU game, but McElwain said he doesn’t feel a difference in the locker room. He still thinks this is a tight knit group.
University of Florida head coach Jim McElwain waits to lead his team out of the tunnel before the 2017 Orange and Blue Debut / Gator Country photo by David Bowie