GAINESVILLE - Quinton Dunbar tweeted two words on Dec. 3 that the Gators faithful had been waiting to read: "spread offense."

Coach Will Muschamp hired offensive coordinator Kurt Roper three weeks later to open up the struggling unit. Through four spring practices, the Gators' receivers have put the spread to work. Muschamp called his receivers the most talented he's had in four seasons.

"We've got six guys right there that have repped pretty well for us at the position that you can roll in and out," Muschamp said Tuesday. "Our base personnel grouping will be some form of three wides, whether it's two backs and three wides or one back and a tight end."

Latroy Pittman and Valdez Showers have worked at the slot position , and Dunbar, Ahmad Fulwood and Demarcus Robinson have been featured at the outside spots.

Senior safety steps up

Jabari Gorman has played behind the likes of Matt Elam, Josh Evans and Jaylen Watkins. Now the senior from Miami will work to fill the void left by Watkins and Cody Riggs, who transferred to Notre Dame in February.

Gorman sits at the top of the depth chart with Marcus Maye needing improved technique, Keanu Neal nursing a hamstring injury and Nick Washington coming off season-ending shoulder surgery. Gorman intercepted quarterback Jeff Driskel on Sunday and had 48 tackles and an interception in 2013.

"Jabari's very smart. He's a guy that gets it. He understands and learns well. He's seen the game," Muschamp said.

Ball out for spring

Linebacker Neiron Ball will miss the rest of spring due to a sprained MCL. The redshirt senior linebacker was one of three players, along with Chaz Green and Mark Herndon, Muschamp recognized for their offseason training.

Defensive end Jordan Sherit hyperextended his elbow over the weekend and should be back Monday. He wore a non-contact orange jersey Sunday. Guard Roderick Johnson is expected back Friday after not practicing due to a head injury, and defensive tackle Darious Cummings missed several practices to be with his father, who underwent a health procedure.