SEC: 110808 Florida Photo
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.com Jesse Palmer and Florida coach Will Muschamp look on while players eat.GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- With the first day in shoulder pads in the books, the Florida players are finishing up dinner in the Gator Room.
Fried chicken and mashed potatoes were the dishes of choice.
Coach Will Muschamp makes the rounds from table to table. He never stops being a coach. He encourages his offensive linemen, but in the same breath, makes it clear that they have to keep pushing.
He's one of the last coaches remaining in the Gator Room, and players flash easy smiles when he approaches their table.
"He's always right there with us, whether we're in here eating or in the huddle out on the field," senior running back Jeff Demps said. "He's definitely not one of those coaches who stands back and lets his assistants do the coaching."
That may be the case, but Muschamp leans heavily on his assistants and challenges them to challenge him.
"I didn't hire a bunch of 'yes' guys. I hired some really good football coaches, and I hired them for their opinion," Muschamp said. "I hired them because I believe in them, and if they disagree with what we're doing, then I want them to say that. But when we make that decision, we move forward and are 100 percent behind that decision. At this point, it's been great."
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.comFlorida's quarterbacks will work under the watchful eye of coordinator Charlie Weis this season.
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.comESPN analyst Jesse Palmer takes in the scene as Florida players work out.
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.comFlorida's practice was spirited with ESPN cameras on hand.Photoblog: It all begins in the classroom ...
August, 8, 2011
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By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.comThe Gators' running backs get together for a meeting on Monday.
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.comFlorida coach Will Muschamp talks with his coaching staff.
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.comFlorida coach Will Muschamp meets with his coaches. 
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.comOffensive coordinator Charlie Weis shares a laugh with players during meetings.Photoblog: O-coordinator Charlie Weis
August, 8, 2011
8/08/11
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By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.comOffensive coordinator Charlie Weis talks with players during morning meetings.
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.comFlorida players sit through morning meetings in Gainesville, Fla.
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.comGators players get some breakfast in Gainesville, Fla.Photoblog: Breakfast with the Gators
August, 8, 2011
8/08/11
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By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.comPlayers fuel up for the day ahead in Gainesville, Fla.Photoblog: Muschamp and Jesse Palmer
August, 8, 2011
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By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.comFlorida coach Will Muschamp chats with ESPN analyst Jesse Palmer, a former Gators quarterback.
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.comThe ESPN bus arrives in Gainesville, Fla.Photoblog: Another day at the office
August, 8, 2011
8/08/11
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By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Jason Parkhurst for ESPN.comGators coach Will Muschamp sits at his desk in Gainesville, Fla.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Chris Low
Low joined ESPN.com in 2007 after 10 years with The (Nashville) Tennessean covering the University of Tennessee and SEC. The Rock Hill, S.C., native lives with his wife in Knoxville and has three sons.
Edward Aschoff
Aschoff joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending four years covering the University of Florida for The Gainesville Sun. He grew up in Oxford, Miss., before attending UF, graduating with a B.S. in journalism.
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