Meyer set to return to restocked Gators

<p>A few hours earlier and only a few hundred yards away from the practice field today, Florida is holding its annual Pro Day, where more than 15 draft-eligible former Gator football players will be working out in front of dozens of NFL coaches and scouts.</p><p> Included in the group will be one of the greatest players in the history of college football (Tim Tebow), two or three (or more) potential first-round picks and five top juniors (Joe Haden, Carlos Dunlap, Maurkice Pouncey, Aaron Hernandez and Major Wright).</p><p> There is a correlation between Pro Day and what happens a few hours later just across the street. Pro Day reveals the considerable change the Gators are facing as they open spring drills.</p><p> This really is an Urban (Meyer) renewal project that will be going on over the next three weeks, and Meyer is expected to be there for the start of it following his leave of absence.</p><p> For sure, there is much to do for Meyer and the Gators before the spring game April 10.</p><p> The Gators have four new assistant coaches and all kinds of star power that needs to be replaced.</p><p> "It's going to be a big spring," senior defensive end Justin Trattou said. "We've got new coaches and a lot of young guys. We have to mold our team. I think it's going to be a good year."</p><p> Florida is a team in serious transition. Because of it, there's probably a perception out there that this might be a little bit of a down year in the making.</p><p> The Gators seem OK with that.</p><p> "Any time you lose 10 or 11 guys who get invited to the NFL Combine ... anyone in their right mind is going to say it's a rebuilding year," Trattou said. "It's our goal to make sure that it's not.</p><p> "Last year we came in as the top dog. This year everyone says we're rebuilding. That fuels us in the weight room. We're working hard. We've got a new group of guys, but it's a good group and we're excited about this year. We have some other talent, for sure."</p><p> Perhaps the biggest and most anticipated change is at quarterback, where redshirt junior John Brantley takes over for the legend (Tebow).</p><p> It's Brantley's turn now, just like it is for so many other young players who will be trying to fill the void created by all the departures.</p><p> "I'm excited. I think everybody's excited," Brantley said. "There is a lot of change going on.</p><p> "I think people are going to think (we might have a down year). But you know, it's always good to go into a season with a little chip on our shoulder. We're working extra hard this offseason to achieve our goals. We're going to keep working hard and hopefully have a good camp in August. I think we're going to surprise some people."</p>