After two weeks of preseason camp, Florida has named its starting quarterback.
Redshirt sophomore Luke Del Rio will start for the Gators when they open their season on Sept. 3 against Massachusetts, UF coach Jim McElwain announced Thursday.
“Luke is going to work as the starter the rest of camp and start in the season opener barring any unforeseen development,” McElwain said in a statement. “Our other quarterbacks remain in the plans and are ready to move forward and help the Gators any way they can.”
Del Rio has long been presumed to be the UF starting quarterback ever since he outperformed graduate transfer Austin Appleby in Florida’s Spring game on April 8. Del Rio completed 10-of-11 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns compared to Appleby’s 8-for-11 outing with 80 yards and no touchdowns.
Both players have competed with the first-team offense since Fall practice began on Aug. 4.
“I thought I’ve had a pretty good camp,” Del Rio said after practice on Aug. 12. “I think it’s the best camp I’ve had in my college career.
“I feel confident in my ability. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could play, and start. I didn’t come here to sit on the bench.”
Contact Ian Cohen at icohen@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @icohenb.
Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio throws a pass during a Spring practice on March 16, 2016, at the Sanders Practice Fields.
