Newly-hired Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain told ESPN during halftime of the Birmingham Bowl that he was watching the game to help put together a roster for next year and to evaluate recruiting needs.

McElwain said the Gators will need to find dominant pass rushers on defense and more strength at the offensive line, which will have to replace several starters next year.

McElwain said that being the Florida Gators head coach and returning to the SEC is a great challenge. “It’s an opportunity to be at the pinnacle, to go up against the best in the SEC,” he told ESPN.

The interview occurred while the Gators marched on a 13 play, 80 yard drive. Early in the drive quarterback Treon Harris ran for a first down on 3rd and 17, which McElwain said “showed a lot of savvy.” McElwain told ESPN that receiver Demarcus Robinson has great skills and is an SEC-caliber top receiver. “He’s fun to watch.”

He said the Gators have an excellent secondary that “let’s you be aggressive.” “They play with energy. That’s something we’re going to maintain,” McElwain said, adding that the players like Vernon Hargreaves III and Brian Poole are looking for the challenge and ready to be “put on an island.”

McElwain said the strong Gator football tradition and the opportunity to play in the SEC make Florida a strong sell to recruits. McElwain said the Gators will need to find dominant pass rushers on defense and more strength at the offensive line, which will have to replace several starters next year. Overall, he said he was looking for balance in all positions and that “we’re looking at open competition.”

McElwain said he’d evaluate players in the off-season and during the spring practice to “determine what our guys do best.”

“It’s a great opportunity for some guys to come to create a legacy and get Gator football back where it belongs.”