HOOVER, Ala. -- While the most conventional route to finding a starting quarterback in the SEC is to nab a blue-chip recruit out of high school, things don’t always pan out as planned. Take this year’s Florida Gators for example; the school currently has two players who transferred in from other FBS schools battling a pair of true freshman for the starting job on the field in 2016.

Former Alabama walk-on turned Oregon State quarterback turned Florida transfer Luke Del Rio appears to have the edge for the job – at least for now – but he’s going to face a stiff challenge from former Purdue starter Austin Appleby.

When asked about how he’s balancing the various options he has at the position, Florida head coach Jim McElwain said he like the options he has available.

“I think the key there is having that right mix,” McElwain said. “Obviously in Austin Appleby, someone who played in big games, he's played in big stadiums, having started in the Big Ten. That's something that's invaluable. In Luke's case, familiarity he had kind of with what we do offensively, I think is good.

“The key is to see that competition, and what those guys do to give of themselves, to help those two younger guys in Kyle Trask and Feleipe Franks, how they help them develop.”

McElwain said he’s seen a growing relationship between the two veterans at the position and the two true freshmen and it’s something he’s really enjoyed.

“That's what has been kind of fun, is to see some veterans who know how to study a game plan, know how to study install,” McElwain said. “Here's the good thing. We've really got good arm talent. I'm excited about being able to stretch the field vertically. Should be a lot of fun.”

McElwain has yet to name a starter and the battle for the No. 1 spot is expected to continue into the start of fall camp next month.

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