UF Notebook: All business for QB Del Rio
ROBBIE ANDREU, The Gainesville Sun
| 9 hours ago
Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio signals next to coach Jim McElwain during a practice this month.
With his starting debut fast approaching, so far so good for Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio.
“We can't forget it is his first year, and yet, sometimes we think he's a vet,” UF coach Jim McElwain said on Wednesday's SEC coaches teleconference. “That's a good thing because of the way he handles himself. He's doing a really good job so far with our install and what we're expecting (against UMass on Saturday night).
“I'm excited for him to get out there and play.”
Del Rio appears comfortable and confident in an offense he's been working in for more than a year.
“His experience being here last year really helps,” McElwain said. “It's also really helped as far as bonding with the team and guys believing in how he goes about his business.”
Also, McElwain reiterated Wednesday that the decision to clear wide receiver Antonio Callaway to play in the opener was the university's and not his.
“First and foremost, it was one of those things that was researched thoroughly by the university, and the decision was made. You know, that's kind of the deal there,” McElwain said.
No dead fish — yet
After a lethargic performance early last season against East Carolina, McElwain said that some of his players looked like fish in a fish market — lifeless.
He said there have been no dead fish through preseason camp and preparation for Saturday's game.
“So far, it's been pretty energetic,” McElwain said. “I love it. We've been excited. I've been really pleased with how our guys have gone about their daily business.
“We'll see. I'm sure there's going to be a dead fish sometime as we go through the season.”
“We can't forget it is his first year, and yet, sometimes we think he's a vet,” UF coach Jim McElwain said on Wednesday's SEC coaches teleconference. “That's a good thing because of the way he handles himself. He's doing a really good job so far with our install and what we're expecting (against UMass on Saturday night).
“I'm excited for him to get out there and play.”
Del Rio appears comfortable and confident in an offense he's been working in for more than a year.
“His experience being here last year really helps,” McElwain said. “It's also really helped as far as bonding with the team and guys believing in how he goes about his business.”
Also, McElwain reiterated Wednesday that the decision to clear wide receiver Antonio Callaway to play in the opener was the university's and not his.
“First and foremost, it was one of those things that was researched thoroughly by the university, and the decision was made. You know, that's kind of the deal there,” McElwain said.
No dead fish — yet
After a lethargic performance early last season against East Carolina, McElwain said that some of his players looked like fish in a fish market — lifeless.
He said there have been no dead fish through preseason camp and preparation for Saturday's game.
“So far, it's been pretty energetic,” McElwain said. “I love it. We've been excited. I've been really pleased with how our guys have gone about their daily business.
“We'll see. I'm sure there's going to be a dead fish sometime as we go through the season.”