Several Florida players met with the media following Tuesday’s practice in prep for this weekend’s game against East Carolina. The Gators are three-touchdown favorites, but aren’t taking the Pirates and their pass-happy offense under Ruffin McNeill lightly.

Here are some of the highlights:

Bryan Cox, Jr., DL

On what the defense wants to build on:

“We want to continue to play for each other and continue to play for each other.”

On first practice after opener:

“We’re trying to move on to the next week, new opponent and new face. We’re seeing a lot more spread passing (from East Carolina).

On new ECU QB who replaced Shane Carden:

“He’s a lefty, we know that. I guess their first one got hurt. Other than that, there’s not too much difference. they do a lot of screens with him.”

Mason Halter, Sr., OL

On moving to guard:

“I’ve never played guard in a game. In practice, I’ve played a bunch here. During fall camp , I’ve been working in and out, so it’s been good.”

Challenge of learning guard position:

“You’re not playing in space as much. And you’re able to move a little slower, being able to work more with your center on an island with your tackle.”

On offensive line success in opener:

“It was great for us. As an offensive line, we came in here to prove a point and I think we did that. We showed that we were very capable. In the weeks coming, we’re going to keep showing that we’re capable.”

On Saturday’s atmosphere vs. New Mexico State:

“It was awesome. coming out in 90,000 is pretty crazy. I’m used to about 85,000 less than that at Fordham. The fans are excited about the McElwain era.”

Brandon Powell, Soph., WR

On first game at slot:

“I was kind of nervous coming in first game as a receiver. I just went out and played and everything came to me.”

Feeling after jitters were gone:

“Going against our defensive backs every day in practice will get you prepared for anything you’ll see in a game.”

On atmosphere in opener:

“Last year, you saw some empty seats. When I scored my touchdown, I could barely here. It was crazy in the swamp last Saturday. It motivates us and gets you hyped.”

Valdez Showers, Sr., WR

On opening performance:

“We definitely needed that momentum. Last year, our first game got canceled so we never got to get hat first game in. The young guys couldn’t get reps and get comfortable.”

How do you keep it up:

“Doing the same routine, practicing hard every day and working at your craft.”

Fourteen players caught a ball in opener:

“We definitely have the playmakers, it was just getting fuys the ball and getting opportunities for them, as far as route concepts. I feel like this offense can give us a chance to get the playmakers the ball.”

On Treon Harris:

“He’s definitely a football player. The guy just has a knack for being out there. He’s definitely getting better, you know, learning and reading the defenses faster.”