Toney finding new home at receiver

GAINESVILLE — Electrifying first-year freshman Kadarius Toney arrived last January as a quarterback, but his future likely was elsewhere.

One week into preseason practices, Toney has found a new home at wide receiver. “Every day he gets better,” coach Jim McElwain said. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Toney was one of three scholarship quarterbacks available last spring. With two more on campus now, coaches needed to find Toney a role to display his playmaking ability.

The transition to receiver has been surprisingly smooth for Toney, whose quarterback background and athletic ability have helped him produce in critical situations.

“When you look at our third-down and red area, this guy has showed up,” McElwain said. “He’s got natural hands. He’s got some make-you-miss ability.”

Toney flashed his potential for UF fans during the spring game. Lined up at quarterback, he rushed for 72 yards on five carries and threw a 9-yard touchdown pass after he scrambled away from defenders.

• The University Athletic Association has selected seven Gators fans who have never visited the Swamp to attend a game at the athletic department’s expense. The fans are: Alicia Jarmillo (Northern Colorado), Jackson Kewitsch (Tennessee), Jacqueline Balk (Vanderbilt), Patrick Letellier (LSU), Alura Romero (Texas A&M), Cleveland McGill (UAB) and Jeremy Edgeworth (Florida State).

Next game: UF vs. Michigan (Arlington, Texas), Sept. 2, 3:30 p.m., ABC