With only four scholarship linebackers available for Spring practice, coach Randy Shannon is getting a long hard look at each of his players.
Shannon, UF’s newest linebackers coach as well as the Gators’ co-defensive coordinator, said Monday he has been impressed with how his players have responded to his coaching style.
One of those players is Daniel McMillian.
The junior linebacker, who has played in just 15 games during his first two seasons at UF, has had issues learning the playbook, which resulted in his limited playing time.
Shannon said he has yet to see any problems.
“He’s making plays,” Shannon said. “He’s doing a great job for us. Like I said, I can’t tell you what happened in the past, only can tell you what he’s doing for us right now.”
McMillian said last week that he looks at Shannon as a fatherly figure.
“He’s such a great coach,” McMillian said. “He’s so patient with you. Willing to teach you and coach you in the right direction that you need to go.”
Powell out for Spring: Brandon Powell won’t be seeing the field anytime soon.
Florida head coach Jim McElwain said he plans to hold the sophomore running back/wide receiver out from live drills for the remainder of Spring practice while he recovers from a foot injury.
Powell is being fitted for an orthopedic shoe, which he will wear while playing, McElwain said.
“They'll do a really good job getting him fitted in the right shoe and make sure that, kind of a preventative measure more than anything,” McElwain said.
Powell saw action in 11 games last season, including two starts, gaining 217 total yards (70 rushing, 147 receiving) with two touchdowns on 31 total touches.
Can Jacob Guy be the guy?: While UF’s starting quarterback battle looks to be between Will Grier and Treon Harris, McElwain said Monday he’s seen strides from walk-on quarterback Jacob Guy.
Guy, a fourth-year junior, had a relatively successful prep school career at Dade City (Fla.) Pasco High. In his senior year alone, Guy set Pasco County records for passing yards (2,672) and passing touchdowns (42).
“He’s a guy that’s getting a little bit better,” McElwain said, “and there at the end, just an overall understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish.”
McElwain said Guy, as well as redshirt junior Skyler Mornhinweg, have made the most of their practice reps, but the quarterback group as a whole still has room for improvement.
“With as many reps as our guys get, they get an opportunity every week, every day to see themselves on film get better,” McElwain said. “I think one of the things we need to do at that position is we need to get our feet set quicker. I don't know where this deep drop stuff came from. You've got to get your feet set, have a play and execute the play. Get the ball out.”
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Randy Shannon coaches during practice on Monday at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.
