GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 06: Rob Bolden #1 of the Eastern Michigan Eagles is sacked by Alex McCalister #14 of the Florida Gators during the game at Ben Hill Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Florida will be without three experienced players in its season opener at home against New Mexico State on Sept. 5.

The program announced that redshirt juniors Alex McCalister and Marcus Maye, along with senior Latroy Pittman, are suspended for violating university athletic department policy.

McCalister, a 6-foot-6, 239-pound defensive end, is the Gators’ top returning pass rusher. In 12 games, McCalister registered 23 tackles, nine tackles for loss and was second on the team with six sacks.

Maye. A 6-foot, 207-pound defensive back, was third on the Gators with 62 tackles in 2014. In 11 games, including nine starts, Maye also registered three tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and an interception. He also had 16 tackles and an interception in 2013.

Like Maye, Pittman also started nine games for the Gators in 2014. The 6-foot, 212-pound wideout caught 15 passes for 164 yards in 12 total games played last season. In total, Pittman has 19 catches for 188 yards in his career and is expected to be a contributor in 2015.

Florida should be able to handle NMSU without these three, though both McCalister and Maye are expected starters on defense. The Aggies lost 10 games in a row to finish the 2014 season 2-10, so I wouldn’t expect them to spoil Jim McElwain’s Florida coaching debut.

For more Florida news, visit InsideTheGators.com.

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

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