Florida Gators

A youth movement is taking Gainesville by storm

Published Sep. 7, 2015 9:17 p.m. ET

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The Florida Gators, or "hatchlings" are going through a youth movement under new head coach Jim McElwain.

Against New Mexico State in the opener, Florida played 12 redshirt freshmen and nine true freshmen. Of the 63 Gator players that played in the game, a third were freshmen.

Jordan Scarlett and Jordan Cronkrite both got plenty of opportunities in the backfield, and each scored a touchdown. Antonio Callaway caught three passes in his debut, and is slated to start versus East Carolina. Talented redshirt freshman tight end C'yontai Lewis also caught two touchdowns in the opener.

There were also freshmen featuring on the defensive side of the ball as well, including Cece Jefferson and Thomas Holley.

The core of this team is mostly comprised of underclassmen. The experience garnered this season will be paramount heading into the future. With continued development, the program appears to be trending upwards in a big way.

#Gators played 63 guys, including 12 redshirt freshmen, 9 true freshmen vs NMSU. Now turn to East Carolina. http://t.co/OcCzz46CoP
— Chris Harry (@GatorsChris) September 7, 2015

McElwain on #Gators freshman WR Antonio Callaway: "He's going to be a good player for a long time for us."
— Cody Jones (@CJonesScout) September 7, 2015

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