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While locked in for the NCAA Tournament, there’s no way we were going to forget about spring practice. After all, no other spring practice across the country will  carry more buzz than Urban Meyer’s return to the field. And don’t forget about John Brantley’s first spring practice as the leader at quarterback, replacing larger-than-life figure Tim Tebow (who, by the way, is stealing Brantley’s thunder by unveiling his less-ugly throwing motion on UF Pro Day the same day as spring practice). Florida has four new assistants to roam the field.

So, let’s get right to it.
1. The Urban Meyer experiment: We know Meyer’s returning, but we don’t know what that means exactly. For all we know, he could sip lemonade in the corner and chat up boosters all day. Not likely. I’m betting Meyer will be hands on, especially after hearing that he’s ready to “start grinding” and has been working on the office lately. He’s altered his schedule to favor his health after his famous leave of absence, but he doesn’t have to change the way he coaches on the field. He should be able to separate the two.

Though I don’t expect Meyer to handle the entire special teams unit. Assistant D.J. Durkin will help.

What will interim coach Steve Addazio’s role be moving forward? That’s something we might find out.

2. John Brantley leads: Good for Brantley for saying he will be his own man in Gainesville. He’s not imitating Tebow’s fist-pumping ways. He won’t make a lap around the Swamp to high-five. He’s staying true to himself as a happy-go-lucky kid who is trying to learn to be a vocal leader. As long as he throws rockets and earns respect in the huddle, Mike Pouncey and the offensive line will do the rest.

3. Position battles: At linebacker, sophomores Jelani Jenkins and Jon Bostic are fighting for a spot alongside seniors Brandon Hicks and A.J. Jones. At cornerback, early enrollee Josh Shaw and sophomore Adrian Bushell want the right to replace Joe Haden alongside Janoris Jenkins. At tight end, two redshirt freshman — Desmond Parks and Jordan Reed — will try to fend off early enrollee Gerald Christian. These players must replace Aaron Hernandez, whom the Gators will miss dearly. Don’t forget about wide receiver, where Brantley has said he has chemistry with sophomores Frankie Hammond and Omarius Hines. That position is wide open.

Speaking of wide receiver, don’t expect much from Andre Debose this spring. Still rehabbing his hamstring.

4. New coaches blend in: Florida has lost nine assistants in the last three years, something that can’t be ignored. This lack of continuity could catch up to Florida, but the Gators could have a smooth transition after Meyer hired four assistants with whom he previously worked. LBs coach D.J. Durkin and WRs coach Zach Azzanni worked with Meyer at Bowling Green. RBs coach Stan Drayton returns to the Gators after two years away. And defensive coordinator Teryl Austin coached against Meyer while at Michigan and with Addazio at Syracuse.

I’m most curious to see how Austin commands the defense, how players respond to him. Because they certainly responded to Charlie Strong.

5. New faces: Almost half the star-studded, 28-player signing class is on campus this spring. We already mentioned Christian and Shaw, but don’t be surprised if five-star safety Matt Elam makes noise with some heavy hitting this spring. Trey Burton steps on campus as the backup quarterback, a vital role to the offense. He could also run some Wildcat. Jaylen Watkins is a talent who could play offense or defense.