Jim McElwain Press Conference 8-15-2016 Notebook: Florida Gators
Injuries
Quincy Wilson was held out from practice with an ankle injury. Wilson being held out of practice Monday was precautionary.
Kavaris Harkless has been held out of practice for two days.
Kylan Johnson began practice off to the side with back spasms.
Brandon Powell (foot) was back fully participating
Duke Dawson was held out of practice as a precautionary measure.
First Scrimmage
The team got in about 118 snaps at the scrimmage on Friday, with a lot of work on special teams.
McElwain did not name a starting quarterback after the scrimmage but both Luke Del Rio and Austin Appleby had good moments and bad moments.
“I really liked Luke in the red area, he was really good.”
Veterans were taken out of the scrimmage in the third series to give the younger guys some more reps and McElwain liked how the veteran players helped the younger guys on the sideline.
“I think that speaks to the leadership of those older guys and what they’re doing.”
Practice
As fall camp wears on players can get run down. McElwain loved the enthusiasm that the team brought to the field Sunday night (practice No. 13) and how they followed it up Monday (practice No. 14).
Florida will be off on Wednesday before a two-a-day practice schedule on Thursday, where the team will prepare for the second scrimmage of fall camp on Friday.
The second practice Thursday will emphasize situational things, including sideline mechanics.
Defense
Dawson and Wilson missing Monday’s practice gave younger players a chance to show how they’ve progressed.
Both Joseph Putu and Jeawon Taylor were singled out as guys who have stepped up recently.
Mac said Jeawon Taylor and Jeremiah Moon would play a lot of snaps, even on special teams.
Kylan Johnson, who made the move from safety to linebacker, is picking up the game more now. McElwain credited him for being quicker with his pre-snap reads, checks and calls.
Offense
David Sharpe has responded to McElwain calling him out to be more of a leader and the rest of the offensive line looks to Sharpe.
Dre Massey is developing and the staff is looking at creative ways to get the ball into his hands.
McElwain said Riles’ injury is an opportunity for Sandifer and Buchanan to step up.
Antonio Callaway
There is no timetable on Callaway’s full reinstatement, the UAA is following the University of Florida’s lead in the matter.
Mac said, “He (Callaway) has dealt with a lot, obviously not being allowed on campus, not being part of the family, not being part of what we can do to help, be supportive.”
Matt Rolin
Redshirt junior linebacker Matt Rolin has decided to quit football.
Rolin is on pace to graduate this spring.