Florida Gators stockpile talent in offseason transfers
Written by Ryan Wright
The University of Florida football program has gone through several different changes since the 2014 season ended. One of the most notable changes is the shakeup of the staff starting with new head coach Jim McElwain.
McElwain is charged with returning the Gators’ program to former glory seen under head coaches Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer but seemingly lost with Will Muschamp at the helm. The rebuilding project is especially daunting on the offensive side of the ball with just four starters returning and the loss of center Mad Garcia tackle D.J. Humpries, running back Matt Jones, wide receiver Quinton Dunbar, and overwhelmed former starting quarterback Jeff Driskel.
In hopes of filling in much needed depth McElwain has accepted transferring seniors. The haul has been plentiful, the on the field results pending. The following is a list of some of the players Florida has acquired and what they may bring to the table in 2015.
OT Mason Halter
Halter is a massive 6’8”, 300 pound tackle from Fordham. He graduated from Fordham and enrolled at Florida on June 23.
Halter is a two-time FCS All-American and could easily crack a spot as a starter on Florida’s offensive line in 2015. As a graduate transfer he is eligible to play immediately.
OG T.J. McCoy
T.J. McCoy was an early enrollee at North Carolina State as part of the 2015 recruiting class but was granted a hardship waiver allowing him to play immediately for the Gators.
McCoy could play center or guard for Florida depending on how competition at center goes with senior Trip Thurman.
LB Anthony Harrell
Anthony Harrell’s transfer to Florida was fodder for a little frontline sports tabloid news after a he-said, she-said regarding Harrell’s status at Georgia Tech. No matter if Harrell was suspended from the Yellow Jackets or not the Tampa native is back in Florida now suiting up for the Gators.
Harrell was slated to be a backup for the Yellow Jackets and might do the same for Florida in 2015. The addition of the senior will provide depth if do-everything linebacker Antonio Morrison is not fully recovered from a knee injury suffered against East Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl.
QB/WR Josh Grady
Grady, 6’0”, 202 pounds, could enter into an unsettled race under center where Will Grier holds an edge over Treon Harris after spring practices. The higher probability is for Grady to try to make an impact at receiver when only one proven receiver returns, Demarcus Robinson (53 receptions, 810 yards, 7 touchdowns).
QB Luke Del Rio
The former Oregon State player is considered a walk-on at Florida. Time will tell how the 6’1”, 216 pound quarterback blends into offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier’s rotation in the pocket.
The Gators added 21 recruits to the roster from the 2015 recruiting class. As of late June 16 freshman and four transfers had enrolled for Summer B semester classes. Offensive lineman Tyler Jordan was a Summer A semester enrollee and wide receiver Kalif Jackson was an early enrollee out of Neptune Beach.
Be on the lookout for 5-star defensive end Cece Jefferson and 5-star offensive tackle Martez Ivey. Both could see significant playing time if they come to campus in shape and with a firm grasp of the playbook before fall camp begins.
Photo credit: intldaily.com; Jim McElwain looks on as the Gators practice.