Gilbert: Line Had a Good Day One

Everyone knows that there is a new quarterback and a new group of receivers trying to make the Florida Gators offense live up to its past exploits. Most know that the offensive line returns four starters and should be dependable. This offensive line will be leaned on heavily in 2010 as the John Brantley and his receivers mature. Marcus Gilbert says they are off to a good start for 2010.

Getting off to a good start is something that needed to happen for the Florida offensive line that will be leaned on a lot in 2010. Four starters return in right tackle Marcus Gilbert, center Mike Pouncey (moved from right guard), left guard Carl Johnson, and left tackle Xavier Nixon. James Wilson and Maurice Hurt are the two main guys that will battle for the open guard spot and both of them have experience starting.

In essence, it is an experience, massive, and very talented line that will be on the field and all of that should make things easier for new quarterback John Brantley as he finds time to pass to a new group of receivers.

Gilbert liked what happened on the field Wednesday for the Gators first practice and believes it is a good start in preparation for the 2010 season.

“It was a good day, good to see the young cats running around,” Gilbert said. “It's just good to be back out here and take on the big challenge for this season.”

Marcus Gilbert was a surprise to this writer that he was even participating in drills on Wednesday as he is healing from an injured elbow. But, a little pain wasn't going to keep him from the field and he believes he will be good to go for the scrimmage being held on Saturday.

“I think I should be able to go in contact on Saturday,” he said.

Gilbert said the young guys looked good and the Gators had four freshmen lined up this spring. Kyl3e Koehne, Jonotthan Harrison, and Jon Halapio all redshirted last fall and will be freshmen again this season. Ian Silberman enrolled early from high school in January and is on the field for the first time as a Gator.

“The transition from high school is normally a struggle, it takes time,” Gilbert said. “Ian is coming along real well, but the line is one of the toughest positions to come in and play. He has to get the technique down, keep going from what he did in high school and take Addazio's coaching.”

Earlier in day Gilbert was in The Swamp watching a bunch of his signing class brothers test for college coaches and scouts in UF's annual Pro Scout Day. He had a good time and was able to think ahead a year from now when everyone will have their eyes on him out on that field.

“Pro day was pretty interesting seeing all of those guys running and stuff,” he said. “I came in with those guys and now they are on their way out to make a living. I was real happy to see the big crowd out there supporting him. I realized it can be kind of nerve racking because of all the people watching and you are in the spotlight.”

Finally, Gilbert was happy to see one face out at the practice field that may not have been expected just three months ago. Urban Meyer was out on the field as the head coach and Gilbert thinks Meyer is good to go.

“Coach Meyer is going to be himself,” Gilbert said with a smile. “He looks fine, looks great, so we've just got to keep this thing going. I'm just glad he is out here coaching us, he is a terrific coach. We know when he comes out here he is all business.”