McElwain Press Conference Blog: Del Rio to start
Coach Jim McElwain and the Florida Gators are coming off back-to-back dramatic wins against SEC opponents. Mac had named Luke Del Rio the starting quarterback for the game against Vanderbilt before he spoke to the media.
The following are highlights from McElwain’s press conference:
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* Recruit Reaction: Florida finds a way to win
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* Instant Analysis: 31 straight over Kentucky
* Alley: Florida-Kentucky Game Thread
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* He praised Kentucky’s atmosphere, crowd, and effort.
* McElwain stated that Del Rio was a little rusty, which contributed to some mistakes. He then confirmed a report from Paul Finebaum that Del Rio will be getting starting reps this week in practice.
* As for Feleipe Franks, McElwain said, “It’s not to say Feleipe won’t start again.”
* As for the issues with punt coverage on Saturday, he said that Florida needed more hang time and that there will be a punt drill/competition this week.
* As the news was breaking during his press conference, McElwain said that he had not heard about the potential felony charges against some of his players. He said that really cares about those guys.
RELATED: Eight - and counting - Florida players charged
* On Kadarius Toney - McElwain said that Florida needs to keep feeding him, but don’t overload him. He added, “I’m sure glad he’s on our team.”
* He said that Franks played well at times through the previous game. “This guy is going to be a really good player.”
* When asked about Vanderbilt running back Ralph Webb, who is from Gainesville - McElwain replied that he has been a Gator killer in the last two years. He said that he’s hard to tackle and that he is a really good football player.
* His reaction to players taunting fans: “Act like you’ve been there.” He says his players do not have to react to things that have been done.
* Back on Toney, McElwain said that he comes with unbelievable recommendations as a player and as a person.
* On Vanderbilt: McElwain said that there is a human element where guys look at scores, but they cannot talk about someone losing to Alabama.
* He praised Freddie Swain and DeAndre Goolsby. He said that the perimeter blocking from the receivers was really good. “Our team fed off the energy of the offensive line.”
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