Florida has a talented receiving corps, a stable of running backs and an assortment of pass-rushers on defense, but it’s the offensive line that coach Jim McElwain sees as the best group on his team heading into his third season as the Gators head coach.

“I think for the first time, I really feel a shift where our best group, our No. 1 area on our team is our offensive line,” McElwain told ESPN’s Trevor Matich. “These guys are playing with a little bit of a chip right now, and I like that.”

Considering the state of the offensive line McElwain inherited, it’s a statement that could leave Florida fans in disbelief. Entering McElwain’s first spring practice, there were six scholarship offensive linemen on UF’s roster. It’s hardly surprising that in the 2015 season, both Will Grier and Treon Harris were under constant pressure. The offensive line allowed 45 sacks in the 2015 season, most in the SEC (eight more than No. 13 Texas A&M). That number got better in 2016 (28 sacks allowed), but was still No. 10 in the conference.

Pass protection hasn’t been the only issue for Florida upfront. In each of the first two seasons under McElwain, Florida has been last (2016) and next to last (2015) in the SEC in rushing plays of 10-plus yards. A lot goes into a running play, but a big part of breaking off long runs is opening up holes on the line.

When former offensive line coach Mike Summers left for a co-coordinator position at Louisville, McElwain decided to hire someone who could bring some new energy to the line. Going with the younger, more energetic (and more intense) Brad Davis to coach the unit has seemingly done the trick, as teammates this spring also noticed that “chip” McElwain referenced in his comments to Matich.

McElwain isn’t the only one praising Florida’s offensive line this offseason. SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic called UF’s offensive line the most talented in the league.

That talent has been developed during McElwain’s time in Gainesville. In Florida’s likely starting five on the line, there’s only one blue-chip recruit, former 5-star LT Martez Ivey. More significant to the star ratings is likely the group’s experience, especially playing together. The Gators lost only one starting offensive lineman after 2016, former LT David Sharpe. With Ivey expected to return to his former position of left tackle, the only spot to fill is left guard.

If Florida’s offensive line lives up to the hype from McElwain and Cubelic, exciting things could be in store for the Gators offense this fall.