GAINESVILLE — As a rule this time of year, football coaches don't read much into players practicing in shorts. But Jim McElwain is in a unique situation as he rebuilds the Gators.
The pads do not go on until Monday, but on Thursday UF's first-year coach did not hide his enthusiasm for his first freshman class.
Sometimes, all it takes is one look.
"A lot of guys looked the part," McElwain said after Day 1 of preseason camp in Gainesville. "It was comforting to see us break the huddle — we got some big guys up there, some good-looking guys on the D-line.