Watch: Jim McElwain previews 2017 season at Florida’s Media Day

Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain took to the podium today, as part of Florida’s self-proclaimed Media Day, to provide a preview of the 2017 season.

A few notes and highlights from the press conference:

• Jim McElwain notes that there is no deadline to name a starting quarterback, and that the competition for that position is presently “even.”
• On quarterbacks specifically: McElwain says Luke Del Rio is still in the competition, Feleipe Franks is a true competitor, and that Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire’s opportunity will not be diminished by his late start.
• McElwain realizes that he was brought to Florida to restore the offensive culture and knows it “hasn’t happened yet.” He notes he was also brought in to win.
• Jordan Sherit (DE), Antonio Riles (OL), and Kavaris Harkless (OL) will be limited in practice
• The state of the program is “pretty darn good” and the Gators will be “more than okay.”
• McElwain noted that the roster is pretty balanced presently. He singled out the amount of competition at several spots this season as a major difference from the past.
• The Gators are looking for some players to step up on the interior of the defensive line.
• McElwain reiterated his enthusiasm for the offensive line, calling the unit “dramatically improved.”
• Some issues are still being worked out regarding the enrollment of wide receiver James Robinson.
• McElwain stated that, as of right now, Chauncey Gardner would still be playing at corner, despite Marcell Harris’ season-ending injury.
• Quincy Lenton and Jeawon Taylor, who were both injured last year, will be in the rotation at safety.
• The Gators’ recent recruiting returns have been a result of the honest relationships that the staff have built with prospects.