LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Rashard Higgins has the utmost confidence in newly named Florida coach Jim McElwain.

The focal point of McElwain’s prolific offense at Colorado State this season, the Biletnikoff finalist and national leader in touchdown receptions raves about his former coach’s play-calling expertise and says he’ll make a substantial impact at his new gig in the SEC.

“In two or three years, I think coach McElwain will be leading his team to a national championship,” Jennings told Saturday Down South. “That’s how good of a coach I think he is.”

McElwain took over a Colorado State program at the bottom of the Mountain West in 2012 on the heels of its third consecutive nine-loss season. He overcame a 4-8 in his first year with consecutive bowl berths, winning 10 games this fall for the first time since 1994.

The Rams’ record-setting offense featured a 698-yard outburst on Nov. 22 against New Mexico, a single-game program-best that included two scores from Higgins.

“He always harps on the little details that go unnoticed,” Higgins said. “That leads teams to a lot of wins.”

Higgins recorded 10 or more catches five different times this season en route to a school record total of 89. His 1,640 receiving yards — also a program best — is second only to Alabama’s Amari Cooper.

“Coach McElwain likes giving the ball to the hot hand,” Higgins said. “The way he runs his offense, he runs the ball to open up the pass. That’s what Florida Gators fans should be looking forward to.”

The winner of the 2014 Biletnikoff Award will be announced during Thursday’s Home Depot College Football Awards at Disney’s Boardwalk.