Ivey sits out Monday due to injury

GAINESVILLE — UF left tackle Martez Ivey missed Monday’s practice — the first day in full pads for the Gators — with an undisclosed injury.

UF coach Jim McElwain described “swelling” and seemed unconcerned.

Pressed for specifics, McElwain said the leader UF offensive line would not be sidelined for long.

Ivey, a junior from Apopka, is the linchpin of an offensive line expected to drastically improve.

Among the unit’s key selling points are experience and continuity. The Gators’ O-line returns four players with at least 10 starts, as well as starting center T.J. McCoy.

Ivey is the most experienced among the group, and the most highly regarded. League-wide media voted Ivey a first-team preseason All-SEC selection even though this is his first season at left tackle following two seasons at left guard. In Ivey’s absence, sophomore Jawaan Taylor moved from the right to left side. Junior Tyler Jordan replaced Taylor, leaving Fred Johnson and Brett Heggie at guard and McCoy at center.

First-year freshman Kadeem Telfort, the top offensive-line recruit in the 2017 class, also has stepped in for Ivey.

“I think that’s something that’s going to be good for us,” McElwain said. “It’s actually one of those things that allows you to work some of those young guys next to some of the older guys.”

Next game: UF vs. Michigan 2, 3:30 p.m., ABC

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