Florida needs receivers to step up in the worst way, and it seems they are starting to actually learn the position.

The receiver position has been a struggle for the Gators, and it’s been well documented. However, it seems the Gators’ pass catchers are starting to actually develop their game, something that wasn’t seen under the previous coaching staff.

“The receivers stepped up and had a really good day as far as the learning aspect, and there’s a lot of new things going in for those guys,” McElwain said. “When we talk about the multiple formations, shifts and motions…I think they really stepped up from a learning standpoint.”

That’s big news for Florida, who continues to look for an offensive playmaker at the receiver position, outside of Demarcus Robinson.

McElwain mentioned he wants to have nine receivers game-ready at all times, and the Gators are working to get to that level.

For most of spring practice, quarterbacks Will Grier and Treon Harris have dominated the talk. McElwain mentioned the signal callers Tuesday. He said the maturation has been okay, but he’s not ecstatic about it. Interestingly, he mentioned paying attention to the details were “kind of new” to them, for whatever reason.

Other notes Jim McElwain said when meeting with the media:

  • Happy with the practice Tuesday, especially after missing Monday due to rain
  • Happy with the red zone play on both sides of the ball
  • Defense dominated third downs
  • Lack of bodies on offensive line hurting a bit, depth-wise, but the guys who are practicing are doing well and staying healthy
  • Live tackling starting Wednesday

New defensive coordinator Geoff Collins also met with the media, and here are the biggest notes:

  • Terminology a big thing right now in spring practice, and making sure all the players are on the same page is a huge emphasis
  • Florida installed eight blitzes today that were new to the defense
  • Interestingly, Collins pointed out that the team wasn’t celebrating with each other enough last season. He said a big focus this spring is playing together and coming together.
  • The defensive is rotating guys in and out of the secondary to learn how to communicate with one another at different secondary positions
  • Collins singled out Alex Anzalone and Daniel McMillian and how both are stepping up during spring practice with Antonio Morrison out