McElwain sees more positives
Second scrimmage strengthens coach’s confidence in team.
GAINESVILLE — Jim McElwain admitted he couldn’t sleep the night before his first scrimmage as coach of the Florida Gators because he thought it would be a disaster.
But before Florida’s second scrimmage Friday night, McElwain was feeling less stress about the team, specifically the younger players.
“I felt a lot better about it because I knew kind of what those young guys are capable of, not that they’re going to make some mistakes, especially up front. I think we’re progressing real good there,” McElwain said.
McElwain said his team did well during the scrimmage, but now they have to put things together as the season creeps closer.
“Really looking forward to now putting all the pieces together a little bit and getting ready to play an opponent,” he said.
McElwain hinted that the quarterback competition between Will Grier and Treon Harris could spill into the Gators’ Sept. 5 season opener against New Mexico State.
“Not necessarily,” McElwain said when asked if he wanted to name a starting quarterback before the opener. “We’ll be OK if we go into it and see who plays under the lights the best.”
Not pleased: One player was kicked out during the scrimmage because of an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. McElwain didn’t say who the player was, but the message is clear that he doesn’t tolerate those types of mistakes.
“We don’t put up with it. There’s no excuse. There’s absolutely zero,” McElwain said. “To me, it’s one of the most selfish acts somebody can do. It’s usually because you’re not going as hard as the other guy, so now you’re going to be Mr. Tough Guy or whatever.
“And then because of your actions, you hurt the team. I just don’t see any place for that. I don’t get it. There’s no place on a football team for a selfish player. It’s that simple. We just don’t put up with it.”
Give and take: Wide receivers Demarcus Robinson and Chris Thompson were two of the players who caught touchdown passes during the scrimmage.
Defensive back Jalen Tabor said Robinson scored on him, but Tabor also picked off a pass.
Vernon Hargreaves III and Deiondre Porter also came up with interceptions.
Injury update: McElwain said safety Keanu Neal suffered a leg injury, but McElwain doesn’t think Neal’s injury is serious enough for him to miss time.
“They didn’t cart him off or anything,” McElwain said. “He didn’t finish the scrimmage. It was something in his leg. Our trainers and medical staff do a great job. They’ll get him ready.”
Offensive lineman Kavaris Harkless and defensive back Marcell Harris were also banged up during the scrimmage while tight end Jake McGee was held out because of a foot issue.
New home: The Gators held their first practice in their new indoor practice facility Saturday, meeting their goal of getting into the facility before the start of the season.
Gators coach Jim McElwain said the plan is for Florida to use the indoor facility for practices on Thursday and Friday every week during the season. Along with giving the team another option for practice when there is inclement weather, the $17 million project should also help to keep the team fresh throughout the season.