GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Tyrie Cleveland is no stranger to the big stage. In Florida's last two SEC games he has been the recipient of long bombs that have provided go-ahead scores.

Saturday's was particularly memorable, a 63-yard touchdown as the game expired. He's watched the play at least 50 times since.

And he deserves it. A year ago, routes like that were pretty much all Cleveland could really contribute. Now he has emerged as Florida's legitimate No. 1 receiver, helping fill the void left by Antonio Callaway's indefinite suspension.

"He was able to get away with just running fast when he got here," coach Jim McElwain said. "But learning some of the technical details and places you need to be, he's a fun guy to be around. Here's what I like, he's learned how to practice. By learning how to practice, then that becomes confidence in games."

After enrolling last summer, Cleveland dealt with a hamstring injury that severely limited him in fall camp, stunting his growth.

He's been healthy ever since, and McElwain credited Cleveland working on his body the right way as one of his biggest improvements. He's a huge target for quarterback Feleipe Franks, and he has shown the ability to pick up some tough yardage through contact on shorter routes.

That he's been able to routinely get open is also a testament to the work he put in.

"This offseason, my main focus was route running, just being able to get out in my routes crisper, my footwork," Cleveland said. "I took major part in working on that and trying to keep my body good."

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The difference has been astounding.

"Freshman year, I was just out there running, just playing," Cleveland said. "This year, I feel like I’m more comfortable with the play calling and the offense. I feel like I just put in the time just to learn the offense with help from my teammates."

Nine catches for 149 yards and a touchdown in two games are all the proof you need the hard work is paying off.

Franks seems to be most comfortable throwing to the 6-foot-2, 205-pound target. And why not, when Cleveland can make the key catches to win games and make them both look like stars.

Now opposing defenses have someone to worry about on the offense again.

"I think the biggest thing now is [they] have to be aware of that position which now in turn may take half a man or somebody in coverage to allow some other guys to kind of get open as well," McElwain said.

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