Following a team scrimmage on Saturday, head coach Jim McElwain was not happy with the team’s effort on the practice field on Monday. According to McElwain, the team took steps back and just simply endured practice rather than improving. The first-year head coach shared his displeasure after practice.
“The attention to detail and focus was not what needed to be successful. And it bothered it me. That irritates me when we take a step back….our mindset was not to get better today.”
The football team will spend time today in the film room and will return to the practice field on Wednesday.
Just like every other coach on staff except for Mike Summers, Randy Shannon is entering his first year on the Gator coaching staff. He was brought in by Jim McElwain to be the linebacker coach and co-defensive coordinator. Shannon spent the past two years on the Arkansas Razorback staff in the same position and before that spent a year with TCU. He made a name for himself down in Miami with the Hurricanes, spending 2007-2010 at the helm for the Miami Hurricane program. Shannon shares those experiences with his players today.
“I made a major mistake when I was young. I remember when Ray Lewis came in and he was a free safety-tailback…and all of the sudden, he was a big-time middle linebacker.”
Shannon expressed that through his experience with Ray Lewis, he learned not to be too critical.
“So I never judge an individual on whether he is an outside or inside guy. You just get a player in and get him what your trying to do at linebacker.”
Arkansas linebackers had a successful year under Shannon in 2014. The group contributed to a defense that ranked 12th nationally and second in the SEC in rushing defense; his linebacker rotations are based on the best players, not the best fit.
“Whoever the best two (players) are going to have to play. It’s not on the outside-inside, it’s on the best two guys or the best three guys or whoever we put that field on that time.”
The Gators continue their preparation for the upcoming season with practice on Wednesday and Friday. The Orange and Blue Debut is scheduled for April 11.
For full audio clips of quotes above and more, click below:
McElwain was bothered by the effort on Monday
Shannon’s thoughts on Monday’s practice
Shannon will not be judgmental on a player