New UF offense gets test from defense

Florida is installing a new offensive scheme for the third straight preseason, and first-year coach Jim McElwain said the Gators’ loaded defense provides the type of challenge his transitioning unit needs.

“Going against this defense every day is really good because those guys really test you in everything they do,” he said. “They run to the ball. There’s some really good players on defense.”

Florida returns six starters — seven if injured All-SEC linebacker Antonio Morrison is able to play this season — on a defense ranked 15th nationally last season.

“We obviously had some pretty decent defenses in one of the places I was at [Alabama]. [Ours] compares to that,” McElwain said. “This is a true top-flight SEC defense. No doubt about it. The depth in the secondary, it actually runs three-deep at some positions.”

THIS & THAT

▪ Florida conducted its first series of two-a-days Tuesday. The Gators will take Wednesday off before practicing twice again Thursday and scrimmaging Friday.

▪ Sophomore wideout C.J. Worton, who injured his leg in Florida’s first day in full pads, tweeted late Monday night, “WHOOOOOO!!! Finally a visit to the hospital that didn’t end bad! Thanking the man above always!!”

▪ Georgia Tech transfer linebacker Anthony Harrell, a senior, is currently sidelined with a foot injury.

JESSE SIMONTON

This story was originally published August 11, 2015 at 11:52 PM with the headline "New UF offense gets test from defense."