Notebook: Johnson, Scott and Knox conclude pre-spring pressers

Thursday concluded pre-spring press conferences for Florida Gators assistant coaches. Quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson, tight ends coach Larry Scott and running backs and special teams coach Greg Knox took the podium to discuss their new positions.

Here’s what they had to say:

Brian Johnson

• It was an easy decision for Johnson to come coach at Florida.

• He feels good about the talent in the quarterback room right now.

• Johnson has coached a lot of mobile quarterbacks, and said he thinks the plays they can make on their feet change the game.

• The quarterback competition will be open for everyone. “Everybody’s kind of starting from ground zero.”

• Johnson said the strong relationship Emory Jones had with this coaching staff is what ultimately led to him flipping to Florida.

• Despite Feleipe Franks’ struggles last season, Johnson thinks he has some skills he can work with.

• “I truly believe there’s no better place in America to play quarterback than the University of Florida.”

• Johnson said Mullen is one of the best teachers he’s ever been around. “Some of those conversations that went way beyond football, I still carry with me.”

Larry Scott

• Scott said this coaching staff is full of great, genuine people, and he has a lot of respect for the loyalty they have for one another.

• He already had a relationship with some of Florida’s tight ends from recruiting them to Miami and Tennessee.

• He’s trying to get more out of Kemore Gamble than just his natural talent.

• “I love the fact that he [Mullen] loves the use of a tight end.”

Greg Knox

• “I told Dan when he hired me, the No. 1 thing was loyalty.”

• Jordan Scarlett is just now getting back into working out hard, so he looks like he’s still developing.

• Malik Davis is still limited. He is working on getting his weight up.

• He anticipates that every running back will play on special teams in some capacity.

• When he’s recruiting, he looks for dynamic running backs who can do a little bit of it all.

• Knox said he’s really excited to work with freshmen Dameon Pierce and Iverson Clement. “They really work with determination.”

Bailiegh Carlton
A lifelong sports fan, Bailiegh Carlton knew from a young age that she wanted to work in sports in some capacity. Before transferring to the University of Florida to study journalism, she played softball at Gulf Coast State College. She then interned for Gator Country for three years as she worked toward her degree. After graduation, Bailiegh decided to explore other opportunities in the world of sports, but all roads led her right back here. In her time away, she and her husband welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. When she isn't working, she can almost always be found snuggled up with sweet baby Ridley, Cody and her four fur babies.