Notebook: McElwain updates on injuries, challenges the secondary

Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain took the podium on Monday to discuss Florida’s 38-24 win over Vanderbilt and this week’s preparations for LSU. Gator Country brings a notebook from his press conference.

Here’s what he said:

  • Luke Del Rio is going in for surgery to repair his collar bone on Monday. “He’s disappointed, but all things considered, in pretty darn good spirits.”
  • Tyrie Cleveland is in a boot and is expected to be out with a high ankle sprain.
  • Kyree Campbell will have his knee evaluated Monday.
  • Quarterback depth is an issue now without Del Rio. Kyle Trask is still in rehab and is still a long way off from being healthy.
  • Malik Zaire will now be the backup with Del Rio out. McElwain said he will get a lot of snaps this week and could be a big piece moving forward.
  • McElwain named Bretty Heggie Florida’s offensive player of the week.
  • McElwain said all three tight ends are playing well right now. “They’re really growing up before our eyes.”
  • “Creating turnovers is something we’ve gotta do, and we haven’t done it.” Florida is one of only five teams in the country that hasn’t recovered a fumble yet this season.
  • The defense isn’t playing up to its standard right now, and McElwain said the players will be the first ones to admit that.
  • McElwain said Vanderbilt exposed Florida’s secondary.
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.