Luke Del Rio has yet to win Florida’s starting quarterback job, but it seems like he’s on the right path to securing rights under center by the time the Gators host UMass in Week 1.

On Wednesday, coach Jim McElwain was asked by a reporter what his expectations are of the redshirt junior, who transferred to Florida from Oregon State prior to the 2014 season after spending his first season with Alabama.

Can he be just as productive as former Gators QB Will Grier?

“Obviously we kind of expect that. We expect him to take it farther than that,” McElwain said when asked at the Space Coast Gator Club, per SEC Country. “That’s kind of what it’s all about. But we’ll see how he leads the team, we’ll see how he takes what the defense gives him and time will tell there.”

In 2015, Grier threw for 1,204 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions in six games, leading Florida to a 6-0 record before receiving a one-year suspension after testing positive for PED use. He recently announced his decision to leave the program and has transferred to West Virginia, leaving a big hole at the position.

Del Rio, a former 3-star prospect and a top-35 player at his position, seems poised to be the next Gators signal-caller after completing 10-of-11 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns in last month’s spring game, but he’ll have to continue battling it out with Purdue transfer Austin Appleby for a little while longer.

“It’s pretty exciting to see him step up in that leadership role and take it on,” offensive guard Antonio Riles said. “I like how he’s commanding the offense and wants things done.”