ABOVE VIDEO: Head coach Jim McElwain meets with the media on the eve of spring practice. (Florida Gators Video)
(FloridaGators.com) – The start of spring practice means different things in different years.
A year ago it was all about Jim McElwain, the first-year Florida coach and his task to turn around the program.
As the Gators prepare to open their second spring camp under McElwain on Wednesday, a large group of newcomers are front and center in what the Gators hope to accomplish. Players McElwain and his staff are banking on to continue the momentum the program built last season on the way to the SEC East championship.
A school-record 12 early enrollees joined the Gators in January to provide a jolt of energy to a team that after a 10-1 start last season, stumbled down the stretch in losses to Florida State, Alabama and Michigan.
Amidst the hoopla of National Signing Day last month, the Gators took time to welcome the newcomers away from the spotlight. No ESPN announcements for this group.
Jim McElwain
“A lot of them didn’t have the chance to go through signing day like a lot of people did,” McElwain said.
“So we did one with our team. We introduced the guys, put them in Gator colors and showed some highlights and had them make a couple of comments.
“That was pretty good. Our guys enjoyed that.”
Are there immediate difference-makers that will come to the surface this spring? That will take time to answer.
The Gators should have a better idea of what impact the newcomers could have a month from now when the Orange & Blue Debut goes under the lights at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on April 8.
CLICK HERE for a preview heading into spring practice:
