Feb 4, 2015; Apopka, FL, USA; Friends, coaches and family surround Martez Ivey as he announces that he has chosen to play football for the University of Florida during a press conference at Apopka High School. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Freshmen will see the field significantly
One thing that McElwain touched on is the idea that freshmen could potentially see significant playing time in 2015.
McElwain on freshmen: "Some think they're more ready than they are, but in some cases we are going to have to rely on them." #Gators
— Chris Harry (@GatorsChris) July 13, 2015
One of the first areas you would then look at would be the offensive line and Martez Ivey.
Related: CeCe Jefferson will make an impact in 2015
If that wasn’t an endorsement for Ivey starting on Opening Day, then I don’t know is.
This also opens the door for running backs like Jordan Cronkite and Jordan Scarlett to potentially be in the mix of backs to backup Kelvin Taylor.
On the other side of the ball, don’t expect the Gators to redshirt 5-star DE CeCe Jefferson, as he should nab a DE backup position behind Alex McCalister and Bryan Cox Jr.
While playing freshmen early can bring some headaches on the field, it can also be a big recruiting tool that McElwain can bring out his bag of tricks for his future recruiting classes.