Gators’ Ivey nursing nagging injury

GAINESVILLE — UF junior Martez Ivey, the Gators’ top offensive lineman, is nursing a nagging injury that will be monitored but is not expected to sideline him.

“We're going to have to manage that like we did his freshman year,” UF coach Jim McElwain said. “He'll be ready to go at tackle for us.”

Ivey underwent minor knee surgery prior to the 2015 season and did not debut until Week 3 at Kentucky. Ivey has started 19 times during two seasons.

This year, Ivey moved from left guard to left tackle and is expected to be among the SEC’s top linemen.

Ivey sat out Aug. 7, the first day of full contact, with “swelling” in an undisclosed area, and did not return until Aug. 10. Meanwhile, sophomore RT Jawaan Taylor missed the team’s first scrimmage Aug. 11.

The two tackles are tone-setters on an offensive line expected to be much improved. Both tackles have been practicing since missing time.

Coaches named Ivey and CB Duke Dawson to preseason All-SEC first team announced Wednesday.

Four Gators were on the second team: WR Antonio Callaway ,DE CeCe Jefferson , DE Jabari Zuniga and P Johnny Townsend.

TE DeAndre Goolsby and DB Chauncey Gardner landed on the third team, along with Brandon Powell (all purpose), Taylor at offensive tackle and Callaway as a returner.

Next game: No. 17 UF vs. No. 11 Michigan Texas), Sept. 2, 3:30 p.m., ABC

Edgar Thompson the (Arlington,