GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida coach Jim McElwain put it best when he was discussing the team’s first practice Thursday.
“Let’s face it, we were in underwear and helmets,” he said. “It’s different.”
The Gators officially reported to camp Wednesday and held Media Day, participated in split-squad practices Thursday and finally practiced as a complete unit Friday. So far, all the practices have been of the “underwear and helmets” variety (no pads yet).
Second of #Gators split practices today pic.twitter.com/UcLR9MOMWy
— Andy Olson (@ByAndrewOlson) August 4, 2016
Full squad for #Gators second practice of camp pic.twitter.com/7PJ6aH7zyo
— Andy Olson (@ByAndrewOlson) August 5, 2016
Media members get to watch a 25-minute period of drills and what’s referred to as “fastball,” in which the offense and defense briefly scrimmage. Fastball is the most telling portion of the viewing period, but it’s also restricted from any photography or filming.
In fastball Friday, it was noteworthy that Austin Appleby led the first-team offense, not Luke Del Rio, who was called the starter by Steve Spurrier before camp. Before anyone jumps to conclusions about the quarterback situation, it’s also worth noting that Duke Dawson and Quincy Wilson were the first team cornerbacks during this period. We all know Jalen Tabor is the team’s top cornerback, so there’s only so much one can take from one day’s fastball lineup.
Speaking of Tabor, here’s a video of him breaking up a pass during a passing/coverage drill:
#Gators Jalen Tabor breaks up Austin Appleby pass intended for C.J. Worton pic.twitter.com/iw1QlSClpU
— Andy Olson (@ByAndrewOlson) August 5, 2016
In most of what I saw, the secondary dominated Florida’s pass-catchers. There’s the occasional quick move to get separation, but in fastball, Appleby was frequently flushed from the pocket (showing some decent mobility) with nowhere to throw the ball. When the quarterbacks are able to throw, whether in fastball or drills, both Appleby and Del Rio are looking accurate. It doesn’t always result in a catch, but they’re putting the ball in the right place.
Antonio Callaway practiced both days. His arrival to Thursday’s practice was somewhat newsworthy as a confirmation of the report he was back with the team. On Friday he was the subject of a bombshell report by ESPN that brought to light sexual assault allegations. The Gainesville Sun reporter Robbie Andreu reported that Callaway’s code of conduct hearing went ahead as scheduled, with the accuser and her attorney absent in protest of issues of impartiality.
Until the school or team says otherwise, it’s assumed Callaway is back for the 2016 season. According to McElwain, the top wideout isn’t affected by any rust from missing the team’s spring practices.
“He didn’t look like he really missed a beat,” the coach said Thursday evening.
That’s probably the best news Gators fans can hear right now, along with no injuries to report.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
