Florida kicked off its spring practice on March 9 and will hold its spring game on April 8. The Gators surprised many by winning the SEC East in head coach Jim McElwain’s first season.
But Florida ended its season on a three-game losing streak in which it was outscored 97-24 by Florida State, Alabama and Michigan. The Gators also have to replace several veterans and will be holding position battles throughout the spring.
Here’s a look at what to watch for during Florida’s spring practice.
Who will play quarterback?
Last season, Florida held a competition between former starter Treon Harris and Will Grier. Grier won out and led the Gators to a 6-0 start before being suspended for PEDs. Harris took over, went 4-4 as a starter and was far less consistent with his passing.
Right now, neither quarterback is at Florida’s spring practice. Grier is planning to transfer this offseason while Harris — along with wide receiver Antonio Callaway — is suspended.
Former Oregon State backup Luke Del Rio, son of Oakland Raiders coach Jack Del Rio, transferred to Florida last offseason and was already a favorite to compete with Harris for the starting job. Former Purdue quarterback Austin Appleby, who transferred in January, could also compete for playing time this spring.
(Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire)
Replacing Kelvin Taylor at RB
Kelvin Taylor enjoyed the best season of his career in 2015. The junior rushed for 1,035 yards — which ranks 10th in school history — and had his best performances against rival teams.
But after capping off a successful college career, the second-generation Florida back decided to declare for the 2016 NFL Draft. The Gators have several options at running back, including former 4-star freshmen Jordan Scarlett and Jordan Cronkite, as well as Mark Thompson — the nation’s top JUCO running back for the 2016 class.
Spring practice will provide the first glimpse of Taylor’s replacements in 2016. Florida could use all three as a committee or find its true feature back in the coming months.
Departures on defense
For all of his shortcomings, there was no denying that former coach Will Muschamp was a masterful recruiter, especially on defense. Muschamp’s defenses were always talented and far exceeded his offenses.
(Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire)
McElwain benefited from the roster turnover by inheriting one of the SEC’s top defensive units. But with the likes of Vernon Hargreaves III, Brian Poole, Jonathan Bullard, Alex McCalister and Keanu Neal leaving, Florida needs to find replacements on its defense.
The pressure is on Jalen Tabor to lead the Gators secondary in Hargreaves and Poole’s absence. Quincy Wilson is another player who is expected to see a bigger role on the opposite side at cornerback.
Is the McElwain hype legit?
McElwain seemed like a home run hire for most of his debut season and still does even with the three consecutive loses to end Florida’s season. But inheriting talent after a coaching regime that ended because of falling short of expectations helped the first-year coach make a smooth transition.
McElwain’s second season will be huge for his reputation. He needs to prove that his first year was based more on good coaching than having the right pieces in a weak division.
Everything starts with a good spring session, so these next few weeks are extremely important for Florida.
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