McElwain Speaks on Kentucky, North Texas, Injuries

Head Coach Jim McElwain spoke today about what you can expect from the Gators upcoming game against North Texas and gave injury report updates in his press conference. He started off the press conference praising the Gator’s team performance on both ends of the field.

Proud of these guys… #GoGators https://t.co/gSO2or1CFU

— Jim McElwain (@CoachMcElwain) September 11, 2016

McElwain says that the team was focused on a common goal and wasn’t really worried about individual stats against Kentucky.  The challenge moving forward is to never let an opportunity pass them by, and McElwain told the team they cannot overlook North Texas. He said that the Gators need to stay focused because they aren’t good enough to just show up and play.

McElwain also touched on the play of his team’s starting quarterback Luke Del Rio. He said that Del Rio likes to be coached and is “like a sponge” but he needs to fail to learn.

Lastly, there was a lengthy list of players who are injured and won’t be practicing this week.

Receiver Antonio Callaway will not practice on Monday and his status is unclear for this weekend. McElwain stated that he Callaway needs to participate in practice on Wednesday to be able to play this weekend. Freshman Tyrie Cleveland will be out this weekend due to a hamstring injury that has kept him out for some of the fall already. Senior Mark Herndon will be limited this week after a minor injury. And sophomore Fredrick Johnson sprained his ankle this weekend and his status is also unclear as of right now.

The Gators will take on North Texas at 7:30 p.m. in the Swamp on Saturday.