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Published Nov 13, 2017
Shannon press conference blog: OL out for rest of year, Zaire status update
Andrew Olson  •  1standTenFlorida
Staff Writer

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* Sunday 3-2-1: Thoughts on Florida's latest loss

* Notebook: Shannon saw more fight in Gators, emotional Zaire pushed to play

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Interim head coach Randy Shannon addressed the media on Monday to recap Florida's 28-20 loss to South Carolina and preview the Gators' match-up with UAB. Shannon also provided updates on important injuries.

* Shannon said that the result was disappointing, but the team did a lot of "great things" against South Carolina. He noted that the team played hard and "flew around" on both sides of the ball.

* Senior wide receiver Brandon Powell didn't dwell on his muffed punt and was able to shake it off.

* Redshirt sophomore center T.J. McCoy is likely out for the season. Graduate quarterback Malik Zaire is day-to-day with a knee injury. Freshman defensive tackle Elijah Conliffe is also day-to-day.

* Redshirt freshman quarterback Feleipe Franks will be the starter with Zaire's status unknown. Redshirt junior wide receiver Dre Massey has been working as the emergency quarterback.

*Injuries on the offensive line will lead to some shuffling, according to Shannon. Junior Tyler Jordan, who has been a multi-position backup, will focus on center.

* The absences due to injury take a toll on the players as many of the players out were seen as leaders and important voices in the locker room.

* The punt returner spot will be decided by who does best in practice this week. Massey and sophomore wide receiver Freddie Swain will work at the position.

* Shannon's impressed by the number of fifth-year seniors UAB has on defense. The players stuck around during the program's two-year absence.

* Junior defensive tackle Taven Bryan has played at a high level, but Shannon sees room for improvement.

* Junior defensive end Cece Jefferson stepped up against South Carolina in Shannon's observation.

* Shannon could tell sophomore linebacker David Reese had leadership qualities when he recruited him.

* When asked for details on the injury, Shannon said he could not share "all the things that are wrong with" Zaire.

* Shannon said the current assistants are professionals and will prepare for games and not be distracted by uncertainty with their job status at Florida.

* Massey is the No. 3 quarterback over freshman athlete Kadarius Toney because he has taken more reps at the position recently due to Toney's injury. Toney worked at quarterback during the spring.

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