Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain spoke to the media on Monday following a season opening 24-7-win over UMass and provided updates on the opener, suspensions, injuries, offense, defense and Kentucky moving forward.
Injuries
- Dre Massey is out for the year with a leg injury. Will have surgery after the swelling goes down.
- Duke Dawson will be limited at practice with a shoulder injury but all signs point to him being fine.
- Daniel McMillian has a high ankle sprain no timetable on his return.
- Time will tell on C.J. Worton’s injury.
Offense
- Luke Del Rio did good on not turning the ball over; had some throws he’d like to have back.
- Jordan Scarlett did a good job in pass protection.
- No changes starter-wise on the offensive line.
- Richard Desir-Jones will be in the offensive line rotation next week.
- Josh Hammond and Freddie Swain played well in their first game. Did a good job in the weather conditions.
- The offense needs to increase explosive plays. (Plays over 30 yards)
Defense
- The defense needs to do a better job in getting off the field on third down.
- Jeremiah Moon and Kylan Johnson will step in during the absence of Daniel McMillian.
- Alex Anzalone had the most production points against UMass.
- Anzalone and Jarrad Davis, “As good as it gets,” at linebacker in college football.
- Defensive tackle Khari Clark stood out on Saturday; did a good job of maintaining gap control.
suspensions
- Jalen Tabor and C’yontai Lewis will both be back this week and will play on Saturday.
- Freshman wide receivers Tyrie Cleveland and Rick Wells will be back with the team this week. Their status will be updated on Wednesday.
- Suspended senior playing this week, “We’ll see.”
Kentucky
- Kentucky will be a lot bigger than UMass.
- The team is looking forward to a 3:30 game on national television.
- Kentucky will be coming to The Swamp with the mentality that they should’ve won last time they were here.