Before Florida coach Jim McElwain and quarterback Will Grier addressed the media on Monday to discuss Grier’s failed drug test for performance-enhancing drugs, Grier had a chance to talk to his teammates.
The meeting with the team took place about 30 minutes before the press conference as Grier explained the situation to his teammates and what was going on surrounding him.
Considering the gravity and seriousness of the situation, Grier couldn't have anticipated a warmer reception than the embrace the Gators gave him.
The rest of the team appreciated how open he was, and they showed their support for the redshirt freshman.
"They hugged him," McElwain said.
"They care about him, and they appreciated his honesty."
For Grier to be able to step up and talk to his teammates and explain exactly what was going on shows the kind of character he has.
McElwain said Grier reiterated to the team that it’s time for the next guy — sophomore Treon Harris — to step up and take the reins of the offense.
While Grier’s failed test has the potential to be to a distraction to the team, tight end Jake McGee said there is no time for the team to give any thoughts on Grier, and the team is focusing on the game against LSU on Saturday.
"Big week this week, there’s really no time to focus on distractions," McGee said.
"(He’s) a family member, we love him, but a big game coming up, and we’re all in toward LSU."
The college football world was blindsided by Grier’s suspension.
The Davidson, North Carolina, native, had come into his own the last three games for the Gators, leading UF to a 28-27 come-from-behind win against Tennessee, a monumental 38-10 upset of then-No. 3 Ole Miss and a 21-3 win at Missouri.
The Gators climbed the rankings in the AP Poll and now sit at No. 8, with Grier being an integral part of the team’s ascendance to a top-10 program once again.
But as Grier stood at the lectern on Monday fighting back tears, he knew he had the full support of his teammates.
"It’s something that comes out of nowhere," linebacker Jarrad Davis said.
"But, at the same time, we’re really confident in the guys that we have. We fully support Will during this hard time. It’s something he didn’t expect. We definitely didn’t expect it."
But with Grier now being sidelined for the next 12 months, it will be Harris’ time once again.
Harris started the final six games of the 2014 season and went 4-2 as the starter.
Harris’ teammates said that his experience bodes well because he knows what to expect from Southeastern Conference defenses heading into Death Valley.
"We already know what he can do," Davis said. "Last year we saw him, and I was kind of surprised that he wasn’t starting this year.
"(McElwain) picked the right guy, and now it’s time for Treon to step up, take that spot back, charge on, and take us to the next checkpoint."
Follow Luis Torres on Twitter @LFTorresIII
UF quarterback Treon Harris (3) watches on from the sidelines during Florida's 14-9 win against Kentucky on Sept. 19, 2015, at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky
