Notebook: Jim McElwain updates on quarterbacks and suspensions

Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain met with the media on Monday ahead of Vanderbilt week. He talked about the quarterback situation, handling the most recent updates on suspended players and revisited last week’s Kentucky game.

Gator Country brings a notebook from his press conference. Here is what he said:

  • Several Florida players have been recommended for felony charges by the state. McElwain said he was not aware of that yet, but that felony charges change things. He said it will be evaluated more today.
  • On handling the felony charges: “Know this, I really care about those guys and I want to do right by them.”
  • Luke Del Rio will start at quarterback this week after coming in and helping win the Kentucky game last week.
  • McElwain said the quarterback change was not to do with Feleipe Franks making mistakes, but just that the team needed a spark.
  • Special teams play lacked against Kentucky. McElwain said he was disappointed in that unit. “The play of the gunners is not what it has to be.”
  • McElwain gives all three running backs credit on their play last week. He said they will continue to rotate despite Malik Davis carrying the offense in the second half.
  • The team fed off the energy of the offensive line on Saturday for the first time.
  • DeAndre Goolsby had his best week of practice ahead of Kentucky, and McElwain commended both he and Freddie Swain for playing with more energy Saturday.
  • McElwain said there were things thrown at Florida players during the Kentucky game, but they still should not be taunting fans. “Act like you’ve been there.”
  • He put an emphasis on stopping Vanderbilt running back Ralph Webb this week. “He’s run all over us the last two years.”
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.

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