Coach Jim McElwain won’t give an edge to either quarterback going into Fall camp, but if you read between the lines, Will Grier appears to have emerged as the better passer and will be a leader on offense.
When asked about the qualities of both quarterbacks, offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier praised Treon Harris’ mobility but said Grier’s best attribute is his ability to throw from the pocket and get to his third and fourth progressions.
Redshirt senior offensive lineman Trip Thurman said Grier was also among the offensive leaders who organized player-run practices during the summer to help the offense gel.
No timeline for Morrison’s return: Seven months and two surgeries after injuring his left knee, senior linebacker Antonio Morrison’s status for the season opener against New Mexico State is still unknown.
The senior will participate in non-contact drills during Fall camp and is significantly further along in his recovery than the team expected, McElwain said.
But neither he nor Morrison were willing to give any timetable for the linebacker’s return.
McElwain went as far as saying that there is no guarantee the senior will play this season.
Yet the coach stressed that he couldn’t be more impressed with how much work Morrison has put in to get to this point.
"I just know this, the fact he’ll be out there is short of a miracle based on that knee," McElwain said.
McElwain won’t concentrate on offense: Despite his background working with offenses, McElwain doesn’t plan on putting extra emphasis on that side of the ball.
Rather than limiting himself to one group of players, McElwain said he wants to play a role in all three parts of the game while giving the entire team equal attention.
"I just feel like it’s very important that the head coach is involved in all aspects, special teams, offense and defense, that the players know that I’m there for them at all times," he said.
Will Grier warms up prior to Florida's game against Vanderbilt on Nov. 8 in Nashville, Tennessee.
