Preseason camp is not supposed to be easy or comfortable in any way. It’s supposed to be hot, tough, a long grind. And that’s what it’s going to be for the Florida Gators, UF coach Jim McElwain said at the team’s annual media day Wednesday.
“This camp is going to be uncomfortable for our guys,” McElwain said. “It’s going to be something where there’s going to be a lot of things stressed, as simple as sweating every small detail. There’s not a detail small enough to be overlooked.
“It’s going to be hard. And that will be intentional.”
McElwain said it’s all part of the plan to continue making progress toward becoming a championship program in year three.
“I’m really looking for us to take the next step where the uncomfortable becomes comfortable,” McElwain said. “Where when things aren’t going just the way you like, so what, let’s do something about it. I think that will stem from competition moving forward.”
The Gators open camp Thursday afternoon with a split-squad practice.
In his preseason state of the program, McElwain expressed confidence that the Gators are on the verge of being what he — and the fans — expect them to be.
“I feel like we’re at that point now,” he said. “No, I’m not going to give you Joe Willie Namath (who guaranteed a Jets win in the Super Bowl in 1969). That’s what you want. That ain’t happening, because right now we’re not at the Joe Willie Namath where I can go ahead and guarantee. I do know this: We’re OK, and we’re more than OK. We’re pretty darned good.”
