GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Gators opened spring practice Monday with a complete makeover at linebacker.
Michael Taylor, Neiron Ball and Antonio Morrison -- last season's starters -- were not on the field. The group also has a new position coach, former Miami head coach Randy Shannon.
Taylor and Ball have departed following their senior seasons. Taylor was second on the team last season with 64 tackles, and Ball finished with 49 tackles and two sacks.
Meanwhile, Morrison continues to recover from an injury in the Birmingham Bowl that will keep him out of spring practice.
Morrison was an All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection last season as he became the first UF player to record 100 tackles since Ahmad Black in 2010. Morrison's 101 tackles led the Gators during a breakout season for the senior from Bellwood, Ill.
Prior to his injury in the bowl game, there was speculation Morrison might opt to leave school early for NFL Draft. Instead, he is on pace to earn his degree this year and is determined to push through rehab and make it back for his final season.
Morrison's return at middle linebacker gives the Gators a solid anchor in what is a young position group for first-year head coach Jim McElwain.
Junior Alex Anzalone (6-3, 234) and junior Jarrad Davis (6-2, 229) are the most experienced returners behind Morrison. In a reserve role, Anzalone recorded 14 tackles in 12 games.
Davis contributed 23 tackles in nine games prior to a late-season knee injury cost him three games. Davis is perhaps the most physically gifted of the group and while not fully healthy this spring, he is expected to participate with some restrictions.
Redshirt sophomore Matt Rolin (6-3, 217) was also on the field Monday, a good sign for the product of Ashburn, Va.
Rolin remains a mystery man that Shannon and McElwain hope steps into a contributing role. Rolin suffered a torn ACL in fall camp two years ago and redshirted. He did not play last season to give his knee proper time to heal fully.
Rolin is finally healthy and the timing is good considering Florida's lack of depth at the position.
Junior Daniel McMillian (6-1, 221) and redshirt junior Jeremi Powell (6-0, 214) are also in the mix for playing time. Both had difficulty cracking the regular rotation a season ago in part to injuries and too many players ahead of them on the depth chart.
McMillian had 11 tackles in six games and Powell finished with six tackles in seven games, primarily on special teams.
With Morrison out, the group of returners will receive more snaps than they are used and have ample opportunity to impress Shannon and McElwain in their bid for playing time.
There are three walk-ons on the roster this spring to provide depth: Steven Stipe (5-11, 214), R.J. Raymond (6-2, 236) and LeAndre Rembert (5-8, 244).
The Gators signed Rayshad Jackson (6-2, 205) out of Norland High in Miami last month, the only member of the signing class listed as a linebacker.
For now, there are good jobs available if you're a Florida linebacker looking for work.
