McElwain praises Gators’ effort

GAINESVILLE — The Florida Gators responded to the troubles of star receiver with “an unbelievable scrimmage” on Friday, coach said.

“Sometimes through some adversity, it’s really interesting how you kind of see your team kind of jell together,” McElwain said. “Some guys really stepped up.” McElwain said quarterbacks

and did well running the first team. McElwain highlighted Del Rio’s performance during an overtime period and the arm strength and accuracy of Franks.

Among the receivers, senior showed up,” McElwain said.

Meanwhile, freshman continued to shine since making the switch from quarterback to receiver.

The Gators’ first-team defense looked fast and confident to its coach, despite losing seven players to the NFL draft.

“The thing I saw when I saw that first unit come out is the aggressive nature and their ability to play free and rally to the ball,” McElwain said. “That’s something that really stood out to me. I’m probably as excited how free they played in the secondary, especially some young guys that are going to play significant snaps for us.”

Depth could be an issue. McElwain said there was a “drop-off ” with the second team.

But McElwain planned to push the Gators to make strides during demanding practices Monday and today.

UF vs. Michigan (Arlington, Texas), Sept. 2,

Franks Next game:

3:30 p.m., ABC

Antonio Callaway Jim McElwain Luke Del Rio Malik Zaire, Feleipe Brandon Powell Kadarius Toney

“really