Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen gave his first game-week press conference of the year on Monday. He talked about the recently released depth chart, the process that went into choosing a starting quarterback and a timeline for possible upcoming suspensions.
Here’s what he said:
• The team will practice a bit later than usual the next two weeks in an attempt to prepare for the night games.
• Shawn Davis, David Reese and C.J. McWilliams are questionable to play this week due to injuries. Jacob Copeland is doubtful.
• Mullen and Brian Johnson sat down with each other and decided that Feleipe Franks would ultimately give the Gators the best chance to win right away.
• The battle between Franks and Kyle Trask was very close. The thing that ultimately put Franks ahead was his ability to extend plays.
• Mullen said he did not take Franks’ experience into account when deciding who would start.
• “To play quarterback for us, you’ve gotta have some thick skin.”
• On choosing the traditional home uniforms for the first game: “When you see those uniforms, there is no question what team that is. You know that’s the Florida Gators.”
• Donovan Stiner earned a starting spot at safety for Week 1. Mullen said he had a really good camp and the new defense provided him some opportunities to step up.
• Mullen said Josh Hammond is a great leader for the wide receivers. “He’s not afraid to get after people.”
• The effort Jachai Polite gives every day in practice is what ultimately earned him a starting spot over Cece Jefferson on the depth chart.
• Brett Heggie is back healthy now after being banged up throughout camp. He is competing at both guard and center.
• If there are suspensions for this week’s game, they will be announced on Saturday.