Injuries are tough to deal with in the present, but they can help shape the future. Florida coach Jim McElwain hopes that is the case with his linebacking corps.
The Gators lost two standouts during last season when Jarrad Davis and Alex Anzalone were injured. Davis, a first-round pick by Detroit last month, missed four games. Anzalone, picked by New Orleans in the third round, missed the final five games.
As a result, David Reese, Kylan Johnson and Vosean Joseph saw bigger roles than anticipated. Each performed well and now give UF a feeling that its linebacker rebuild will be a smooth one.