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Gators wait on decision about receivers' availability

 
Published Aug. 26, 2016

As No. 25 Florida gears up for its first game week of the season, the Gators still don't know which receivers will be available.

Coach Jim McElwain told reporters Thursday that UF is still processing the situations of standout sophomore Antonio Callaway and true freshmen Tyrie Cleveland and Rick Wells. It remains unclear whether any will participate in the Sept. 3 season opener against UMass.

McElwain said UF is "still working through some things" regarding Callaway. UF's top returning player, Callaway was cleared this month in a sexual assault investigation by the school but admitted to being high on marijuana at the time of the December incident.

Wells and Cleveland still face felony charges related to a BB gun arrest last month.

"Those two guys are obviously going through some things and dealing with some things, but they'll be back," McElwain said.

UF did get some clarity (and good news). McElwain said all-SEC cornerback Jalen Tabor and tight end C'yontai Lewis returned to the team Thursday. They had been suspended for fighting last week, and neither will play against UMass.

"We talked about it as a family and our expectations," McElwain said. "Off we go."

McElwain said linebacker Alex Anzalone has progressed better than expected from a shoulder injury that sidelined him most of last season. McElwain said Anzalone's strength and stability are better than ever, and the Gators might not have to control his snaps during the season.

"I don't see any limitations there at all," McElwain said.

Times correspondent Ethan Bauer contributed to this report.