GAINESVILLE — Nick Savage has a tough task.
In 2017, 26 Gators football players dealt with lingering injuries following the Orange and Blue game.
This year, the responsibility of the players’ health falls largely on Savage as he navigates his first year as Florida’s strength and conditioning coach.
Savage joins UF’s staff after spending the past two seasons working for UF coach Dan Mullen while they were at Mississippi State. After Florida endured those 26 injuries and many more that followed during the season, Savage said preparing and protecting players is his priority.
“I want to create a safe — orthopedically safe — and sound environment for the guys,” he said after Saturday’s practice.