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.