2. Quarterback competition too close to call: Well, that's what coach Jim McElwain wants you to believe. From what the media has seen during open portions of fall camp, redshirt freshman Will Grier is ahead of sophomore Treon Harris. Grier has the stronger arm and is the quarterback who fits McElwain's pro-style scheme. How long will McElwain wait to name Florida's starting quarterback? We might have to wait a few weeks. But expect to have an answer before the week leading up to Florida's season opener against New Mexico State on Sept. 5. Here's McElwain is saying about the QB battle:

Coach Jim McElwain: "You know, they both have had really shining moments. They've both had some moments where you kind of scratch your head and wonder where that came from. I haven't seen, I guess if you're asking is there a separation yet, I haven't really seen it. But I will say this, their command is what I've been really happy with, really good at indicating mikes, needing to change it when maybe the center wasn't right, taking control of the situation."

This is the second place I've seen this, the press lovin' on Will Grier. Might be something to it.

Oliver Barry, CRS, GRI

Bob Parks Realty, LLC

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Florida Gators 2015 camp: Three things we've learned during first week

August 13, 2015 | Filed in: Anthony Chiang, the Palm Beach Post

Florida's fall camp is a week old and the team's first fall scrimmage is Friday.

Florida defensive back Vernon Hargreaves (1) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for East Carolina wide receiver Justin Hardy (2) to secure the Gators' 28-20 win late in the fourth quarter of the Birmingham Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

It's time to step back and look at the big picture. Here are three things we've learned from Gators coaches and players during the first week of fall camp.

1. Martez Ivey is good … really good: Fall camp just started, but the freshman offensive tackle is already opening eyes. Ivey entered camp with high expectations after signing with the Gators as a five-star recruit and the nation's top-rated offensive tackle in the 2015 class. It sounds like the 6-foot-5, 302-pound freshman is living up to those expectations. That's a good thing for Florida because it desperately needs some of its young offensive linemen to contribute immediately. Don't be surprised to see Ivey line up as Florida's starting right tackle when the season begins on Sept. 5. Here are what Gators players are saying about Ivey …

RB Kelvin Taylor: "Oh my gosh, Ivey, Martez Ivey. The guy's a freak, dude. The guy's going to be great. He wasn't a five-star for nothing, trust me. He's physical, he's smart, he knows exactly what he's doing. He's a load. He's going to be really good. I feel like him, there's a couple more of those guys who may impact, but the one when I turn on film, I'm like, 'Dang, who is that?' I knew it was him. He wasn't a five-star recruit for nothing."

OL Trip Thurman: "He's definitely a specimen physically. Obviously as a freshman, a lot of guys have to grow up mentally and kind of understand things in meetings, and taking meetings to the practice field, things like that. He's definitely going to be something special here at Florida, just based on how big he is. He's huge, and he's definitely wanting to learn as well. A lot of guys think they're just going to roll into the position, but Martez is a guy who wants to learn the position, wants to be the guy at left tackle."

2. Quarterback competition too close to call: Well, that's what coach Jim McElwain wants you to believe. From what the media has seen during open portions of fall camp, redshirt freshman Will Grier is ahead of sophomore Treon Harris. Grier has the stronger arm and is the quarterback who fits McElwain's pro-style scheme. How long will McElwain wait to name Florida's starting quarterback? We might have to wait a few weeks. But expect to have an answer before the week leading up to Florida's season opener against New Mexico State on Sept. 5. Here's McElwain is saying about the QB battle:

3. Florida's defense won't disappoint: Whenever you lose a dominant force like defensive end Dante Fowler, it hurts. But for the Gators' defense, it doesn't look like it's going to hurt too much. The secondary is loaded with All-SEC cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, freshman All-American cornerback Jalen Tabor, and safeties Keanu Neal and Marcus Maye returning. The line is expecting another big season from Jonathan Bullard and breakout seasons from sophomore defensive tackle Caleb Brantley and junior defensive end Alex McCalister. The group wants to finish the season as the best defense in the nation. It's possible, as the defense has already drawn rave reviews from Gators coaches and players during fall camp:

Coach Jim McElwain: "We obviously had some pretty decent defenses in one of the places I was at. It compares to that. This is a true top-flight SEC defense. No doubt about it. And really, probably the depth in that secondary. It actually runs three-deep at some positions. Outstanding job at that position having a lot of really good players and players that can play at this level."

Florida offensive line doesn't block out criticism, accepts challenge

Anthony Chiang, the Palm Beach Post

GAINESVILLE — It's not spoken about in the Gators' offensive line meeting room, but the group hears the criticism.

"We don't talk about it. We know. We hear," said redshirt senior offensive lineman Mason Halter, who transferred to Florida from Fordham in June.

Outsiders question the offensive line's depth and competency, as the unit lost four starters to this year's NFL Draft — Trenton Brown, Max Garcia, Chaz Green and D.J. Humphries — and projected starter Roderick Johnson to a career-ending injury in the offseason. The Gators began spring practice with just seven healthy scholarship linemen.

"We're here to prove that wrong, definitely," Halter said of the skepticism surrounding the group. "We've been working very hard in the summer and we're going to work very hard in camp. We're going to try to be the best offensive line we can be. Hopefully that's the best in the whole country, SEC and anywhere else."

Those are lofty aspirations for a Gators offensive line that returns just 10 career starts, which all come from Trip Thurman. The redshirt senior started 10 games at left guard last season.

Coach Jim McElwain just wants to find a way to have an eight-man rotation on the offensive line, which could include up to four true freshman.

"What we need to do is develop eight solid guys," McElwain said. "A little bit like an NFL mentality where some guys have to be able to swing in some positions."

Florida's 2015 recruiting class included six offensive linemen who should held add depth to the position.

Five-star prospect Martez Ivey, who was rated as the nation's top offensive tackle in the 2015 class, is expected to receive immediate playing time. The 6-foot-5, 302-pound freshman will battle for one of the starting tackle spots during fall camp.

"Martez is definitely going to be something special here at Florida just based on how big he is," Thurman said. "He's huge, and he's definitely wanting to learn as well. A lot of guys think they're just going to roll into the position, but Martez is a guy who wants to learn the position and wants to be the guy at left tackle."

In addition to the freshmen, McElwain was able to add two immediate transfers. Of the two transfers, Halter is the one expected to receive valuable playing time this season.

At 6-foot-6, Halter started 33 games and was a two-time Division I-AA All-American left tackle at Fordham.

"It's going to be a great challenge for me to see what kind of athlete and what kind of offensive lineman I am," Halter said of the transition to playing at Florida. "I think I'll be able to match the challenge, but only time will tell, I guess."

The Gators will have to rely on those new faces and inexperienced returning linemen like sophomore tackle David Sharpe and center Cameron Dillard, who will likely earn starting jobs for their first time in their college careers this season.

But there will be a familiar face leading the group — offensive line coach Mike Summers, who was the only Gators assistant coach retained from former coach Will Muschamp's staff.

"There's always going to be pressure when you lose four guys to the draft and you have a new quarterback," Thurman said. "There's definitely a lot of pressure, but we're in great hands with coach Summers as our guy leading us and having us going into the right direction."

Notebook: Kelvin Taylor ready to step up; Martez Ivey impressing

Graham Hall, the Palm Beach Post

GAINESVILLE — With the release of redshirt sophomore running back Adam Lane, Florida's backfield is preparing to fill the void left by his abrupt departure.

Kelvin Taylor #21 of the Florida Gators runs for a touchdown during the game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Ben Hill Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Presumed starter Kelvin Taylor, whose father, Fred Taylor, played for the Gators from 1994-1997, said Wednesday he is assuming a leadership role and teaching the freshman running backs.

"It's just [up to] me to encourage those guys and get them to play at the highest level," Taylor said. "I'm just going to keep working hard with those guys and encourage those guys to be the best running backs they can be and try to just teach them and coach them up."

The Gators will utilize freshmen Jordan Scarlett and Jordan Cronkrite in the backfield, similar to the role Taylor had last season under former UF running back Matt Jones.

But Taylor said getting on the field as a freshman is an incredibly daunting task considering the transition from high school football.

"As a true freshman you gotta just be a grown man to get on the field," Taylor said. "You have to know exactly what you're doing to be out there as a freshman. If not, you're going to have to wait."

Ivey Impressing: Aside from his praise of Cronkrite and Scarlett, Taylor pointed to freshman offensive lineman Martez Ivey as one of the freshmen who has impressed the team's veterans the most. '

"The guy's a freak, dude. He wasn't a five-star for nothing, trust me," Taylor said. "I feel like him, there's a couple more of those guys who may impact, but the one when I turn on film, I'm like, 'Dang, who is that?' I knew it was him."

However, Taylor said he wasn't surprised by Ivey's talent due to the way the Apopka native already carries himself like a professional.

"You could tell, just his demeanor. Just the way he carries himself around the locker room. He's quiet, he gets his work done, he goes about the next play," Taylor said. "The guy's very mature, man. He's going to be a really good one. Just remember I told you that. He's going to be a really good one, trust me."

Morrison working to return: Coach Jim McElwain has been eager to praise the improvement and rehabilitation of linebacker Antonio Morrison, who suffered a left knee injury on Jan. 3 in Florida's 28-20 Birmingham Bowl victory over East Carolina.

On Wednesday, junior defensive lineman Joey Ivie recalled the moment he saw his teammate go down on the field.

"It's hard to see one of your teammates screaming like that," Ivie said. "You could tell he was real hurt. But he's worked hard, and I'm proud. He's came back so quickly. He looks like he's been doing well, and he's a hard worker. We definitely need him on the defense."

Ivie said one of the most encouraging things in Morrison's recovery is seeing how hard he's worked to get back. He said Morrison's rehab might encourage other players on the team to commit to recovery and attack rehab more diligently than they might have before.

"The way he attacked his rehab, it was actually a great example for a lot of people because of how hard he worked," Ivie said. "A lot of people don't come back from that kind of injury as quickly as he did. Because of his hard work and effort, it got him to where he is."

Florida Gators tight end Jake McGee takes long road back after serious injury

Two Florida Gators star recruits already making impact

GAINESVILLE -

Two of Florida's blue-chip signees are already living up to their five-star billings early in training camp.

Gators offensive tackle Martez Ivey and defensive end CeCe Jefferson have quickly impressed teammates and coaches with their work ethic, maturity and raw talent.

"Martez Ivey is a freak," junior tailback Kelvin Taylor said. "He's going to be great. He wasn't a five-star for nothing, trust me. He's physical. He's smart. He knows exactly what he's doing. He's a load. He's going to be really good."

Ivey, the nation's No.2 overall prospect according to 247Sports, is 6-5, 300 pounds and is competing for snaps at both tackle positions.

Jefferson, a fellow five-star freshman, has also awed teammates with his athleticism and relentless motor.

"He's showing grit," junior safety Keanu Neal said. "He's showing work. He's showing that he can make plays."

Jefferson sat out most of his senior season at Baker County High with a shoulder injury, but the 6-1, 280-pound pass rusher is healthy now and already wreaking havoc in camp.

"He's one of the young guys doing a heck of a job," UF coach Jim McElwain said.

"He shows up. … I'm sure glad that he's here. He's a guy that can make an impact.

"He's a guy that's eager to learn, jumped right in at everything we're doing. That just speaks volumes of the type of kid he is, too."

JESSE SIMONTON

New UF offense gets test from defense

New UF coach Jim McElwain says the Gators' stellar defense will only help the offense improve with some challenging practices. Stephen M. Dowell TNS

BY JESSE SIMONTON, Miami Herald Writer

GAINESVILLE

Florida is installing a new offensive scheme for the third straight preseason, and first-year coach Jim McElwain said the Gators' loaded defense provides the type of challenge his transitioning unit needs.

"Going against this defense every day is really good because those guys really test you in everything they do," he said. "They run to the ball. There's some really good players on defense."

Florida returns six starters — seven if injured All-SEC linebacker Antonio Morrison is able to play this season — on a defense ranked 15th nationally last season.

"We obviously had some pretty decent defenses in one of the places I was at [Alabama]. [Ours] compares to that," McElwain said. "This is a true top-flight SEC defense. No doubt about it. The depth in the secondary, it actually runs three-deep at some positions."

THIS & THAT

▪ Florida conducted its first series of two-a-days Tuesday. The Gators will take Wednesday off before practicing twice again Thursday and scrimmaging Friday.

▪ Sophomore wideout C.J. Worton, who injured his leg in Florida's first day in full pads, tweeted late Monday night, "WHOOOOOO!!! Finally a visit to the hospital that didn't end bad! Thanking the man above always!!"

▪ Georgia Tech transfer linebacker Anthony Harrell, a senior, is currently sidelined with a foot injury.

JESSE SIMONTON

Recruiting: Breaking down Gators' OL commit Brett Heggie

Luis Torres, THE PALM BEACH POST

Brett Heggie
Offensive lineman (Center)
Mount Dora, Fla. (Mount Dora High School)
6'4", 300 lbs.

Three-star recruit (according to 247Sports)
Rivals position rank: Not ranked
State of Florida rank: Not ranked
247Sports national ranking: 791

Offers: According to 247Sports, Heggie has picked up offers from 19 schools, including Florida, FIU, Indiana, Iowa State, Louisville, Miami, Mississippi State, N.C. State, South Carolina and UCF.

Recruitment: Heggie's recruitment picked up in June of last year as he attended eight camps hosted by schools before landing an offer from FIU. Heggie then took an unofficial visit to Wake Forest last July. Heggie would go on to visit UCF on Sept. 20, and the Knights extended an offer to him the next day. He would then take a visit to Auburn before attending the Tigers' Junior Day this past March. Heggie would eventually visit UCF again, before visiting South Carolina and Miami. The Gators offered Heggie a scholarship on May 20, and he would take a visit to Gainesville on June 18 before committing to UF on July 24.

Heggie is a mammoth of an offensive-line prospect, weighing in at 300 pounds entering his senior year at Mount Dora. Heggie projects as a center at the collegiate level, he shows superior strength and he always finishes his blocks. Heggie will have to keep improving his technique should he want to stay at center when he gets to college. If not, he might move to one of the guard spots.

Why Florida? Heggie was at Florida's Friday Night Lights camp on July 24 and spent the weekend in Gainesville before committing to coach Jim McElwain and staff. According to Scout.com, Florida offensive-line coach Mike Summers was a big factor in Heggie committing to the Gators, as he was the top center target for McElwain and Summers in the 2016 recruiting cycle. Heggie is one of three offensive-line recruits currently committed to the Gators in the 2016 class.

SEE VIDEO: http://www.hudl.com/v/Csmy4

Last Unofficial Visit: June 18
Official Visit: TBD
Recruited by: Mike Summers

***

Follow Luis Torres on Twitter @LFTorresIII and check out more of his work at alligator.org/sports

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Thursday, August 13, 2015

[gatortalk] FW: [gatornews] GatorNews from the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, courtesy of JunoGator

Florida Gators 2015 camp: Three things we've learned during first week

Florida offensive line doesn't block out criticism, accepts challenge

Notebook: Kelvin Taylor ready to step up; Martez Ivey impressing

Florida Gators tight end Jake McGee takes long road back after serious injury

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-florida/article30970551.html#storylink=c

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-florida/article30970551.html#storylink=cpy

UF's pair of five-star recruits already making impact

Two Florida Gators star recruits already making impact

New UF offense gets test from defense

Recruiting: Breaking down Gators' OL commit Brett Heggie

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