Jim McElwain took the podium on Monday for his weekly press conference ahead of the Michigan game. He discussed the plans for Week One, including the plan at quarterback, injuries and suspensions.
GatorCountry brings a notebook of what he had to say.
- “Our players come to the University of Florida to play in games like this.”
- McElwain said it is an understatement that Florida wasn’t tough enough against Michigan in the bowl game two years ago.
- The focus for Michigan is its defense and how it makes teams lose on first and second down.
- Special teams is a key for this game. Not only kickers but returners.
- Brandon Powell and Dre Massey will handle the punt returns.
- Tyrie Cleveland will be the guy for kickoff returns.
- Kemore Gamble is highly questionable this week with a foot injury.
- Quincy Lenton is back.
- Kylan Johnson is still “iffy”, but McElwain said he expects him to be back.
- There is a plan in place for the quarterbacks against Michigan, but nothing will be revealed until the game. “We’ll leave that for them to guess.”
- With so much speculation about the quarterbacks, McElwain jokingly said the Gators would open up in the wildcat formation with freshman Kadarius Toney.
- After the marijuana citation last week, freshman wide receiver James Robinson is not cleared to play against Michigan. McElwain said he is disappointed but not giving up on him.
- Lacedrick Brunson had a good camp and will provide some depth at linebacker with the suspensions.
- Taven Bryan had a slow start to camp after an impressive spring, but McElwain said he’s picked it up lately.
- McElwain on Nick Washington: “He’s a guy the team looks up to.”
- Tyler Jordan has worked at all five spots on the offensive line and had a very good camp.
- McElwain said he believes the game will be won or lost on the offensive line.