The Jim McElwain era is officially underway at the University of Florida.

The Gators opened spring practice today in the hot Florida sun, the first of several scheduled practices before the Orange and Blue Debut on April 11.

The media was allowed to view the first 15 minutes of practice and no more.

Florida’s quarterback battle between rising sophomore Treon Harris and redshirt freshman Will Grier has been discussed thoroughly. However, today, Grier took the first snap at quarterback for the offense. But don’t read too far into that, according to Jim McElwain.

McElwain also expressed during his media session that he’s not sure what identity the offense will take, because he has to get to know the personnel much better. That should hopefully be answered this spring. As most always is the case, the defense is well ahead of the offense to start practice.

It would be interesting to be behind closed doors to hear McElwain talk about the defensive speed from Alabama to Colorado State and back to the SEC at Florida.

The following players changed numbers from 2014:

  • CB Deiondre Porter changed to 15 from 21
  • RB Brandon Powell changed to 4 from 20
  • LB Matt Rolin changed to 25 from 9
  • CB Jalen Tabor changed to 31 from 5
  • CB Quincy Wilson changed to 6 from 12