Breaking in a new quarterback is hard enough. Try doing it with an inexperienced offensive line that features just one player who has even started a collegiate game.

But that’s the Herculean task awaiting new coach Jim McElwain as he tries to retool an anemic Gators offense that hasn’t finished better than 82nd nationally in total offense since 2009.

The job of protecting either Will Grier or Treon Harris falls to an inexperienced group that lists just one upperclassman on the roster. Grier goes into fall camp with a slight edge, but the more mobile Harris may be pressed into service as well if the offensive line can’t hold up.

Several unproven players will have to develop in a hurry if McElwain’s planned offensive reformation is to take off in Gainesville. The team exited spring practice with just six healthy scholarship offensive linemen, putting a premium on the August practices.

How quickly the players adapt will be the key to Florida’s season. Early home dates with New Mexico State (Sept. 5) and East Carolina (Sept. 12) won’t be as telling as the Gators’ SEC opener at Kentucky (Sept. 19) and subsequent dates with Tennessee (Sept. 26), Ole Miss (Oct. 3), Missouri (Oct. 10) and LSU (Oct. 17).

The young Gators up front will have to learn on the job quickly if they hope to withstand that onslaught and more to come in the grueling SEC gauntlet.

Here’s a quick look at a few Gators offensive linemen to keep an eye on:

Key starter: Trip Thurman, a fifth-year senior, is the dean of an inexperienced unit with his 10 career starts, but missed spring practice with a recurring shoulder injury. Thurman must stay healthy this fall to guide an inexperienced Gators front line.

Star potential: Behemoth sophomore left tackle David Sharpe (6-foot-6, 355 pounds) gained valuable experience as a true freshman and has shown the potential to be the next in a long line of great Gators linemen. The former high school All-American will have to pick things up quickly while protecting the blind side of whoever is his quarterback.

Keep an eye on: True freshman Martez Ivey (6-5, 302) was a five-star recruit and a high school All-American and will get every opportunity to win the starting right tackle spot. How quickly he picks things up will be critical.

Other projected starters: Third-year sophomore center Cameron Dillard (6-4, 308) saw action in four games as a reserve a year ago and is now being thrust into a key position. He will have to learn quickly and effectively communicate with his teammates. It’s a lot to ask of a newcomer. Redshirt freshman Travaris Dorsey (6-2, 318) assumed the starting right guard spot after a solid spring. He’s big, strong and runs well, but getting acclimated to big-time football will pose a challenge.

Curveball: At one point this spring, it looked like Thurman would start at center. Some felt redshirt sophomore Antonio Riles (6-4, 287) exited spring ahead of Dorsey at guard, but the former defensive linemen still needs to refine his technique. If Dillard struggles, Thurman could move back to center, and if Thurman’s shoulder gives him more trouble, Riles could be elevated at guard.

Most telling game: Ole Miss visits The Swamp on Oct. 3.  The early warmups are over as an aggressive Rebels defense that ranked among the best in the nation last fall comes to Gainesville. Stud defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche and sophomore defensive end Marquis Haynes create havoc for the Rebels at the expense of every opposing line. Finding a way to slow them down could be the most telling sign as to whether McElwain’s first season is a successful one or not.