UF coach Jim McElwain pleased with team’s tempo

Florida practiced in pads for the first time Monday, and new coach Jim McElwain was pleased with his team’s tempo and effort.

The Gators spent the majority of practice installing new offensive plays and formations, so the defense mostly dominated with physical play.

“The first day in pads is always fun because you’re kind of able to see some of the guys that sometimes maybe flash when they’re in just helmets and underwear,” McElwain said. “But I was really pleased. I didn’t see anybody back down.”

Florida starts two-a-days on Tuesday and will scrimmage for the first time this preseason Friday.

INJURY REPORT

The preseason injury bug hit Florida on Monday, as a pair of players went down in practice, including promising wideout C.J. Worton. The sophomore has impressed early in camp, but he left practice with an undisclosed leg injury.

“He’s got a bad wheel,” McElwain said. “He had a heck of day, too. ... We’ll see what happened, but, obviously, he’s a guy we’d love to have step up and do something.”

Backup offensive guard Travaris Dorsey also sustained a leg injury, and starting defensive end Alex McCalister was limited because of a hamstring strain.

LANE LEAVING

Redshirt sophomore tailback Adam Lane asked for and received a release from his scholarship because of “family issues.” Lane played sparingly last season but was the Birmingham Bowl MVP after rushing for 109 yards and a score in Florida’s 28-20 victory over East Carolina.

This story was originally published August 10, 2015 at 8:45 PM with the headline "UF coach Jim McElwain pleased with team’s tempo."