Five things to watch for at Florida Gators 2015 spring game
By Hayden Hyde
Nov 22, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Daniel McMillian (13) tackles Eastern Kentucky Colonels quarterback Barton Mann (15) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Eastern Kentucky Colonels 52-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
5. Linebacker Competition
The Gators lost two-thirds of their starting linebacker corps from last season, so this should be a very competitive spot. The previous coaching staff compiled a nice group of young guys for McElwain and Randy Shannon to plug and play. However, the Gators are struggling with injuries to Antonio Morrison and Jarrad Davis, which will open even more competition during the offseason.
Juniors Daniel McMillian and Jeremi Powell will be given plenty of chances to shine during the spring game. McMillan is an extremely talented player, but his career has been plagued with inconsistency. He’s appeared in 15 games for the Gators, mostly as a special teams contributor, but he should give solid depth this year.
Powell’s career has mostly been plagued by injuries, but he’s been in Gainesville for three years and he is finally looking to make an impact. When Powell has been healthy he was used in a special teams role, but he may expand his niche with a wide-open competition at the linebacker position.
Florida will definitely have a close eye on this position during the spring game and throughout the remaining offseason. Could this be the year Alex Anzalone finally stays healthy and lives up to his lofty recruiting ranking?
Next: Recruiting fallout