OL Trip Thurman, other injured Gators making progess toward returning

Florida OL Trip Thurman is making progress toward a posisble return in the fall.

Thurman, who started 10 games at guard this past season, was expected to be the Gators' starter at center this year, but a chronic shoulder injury kept him out of spring practice and has put his future in question.

Florida coach Jim McElwain said prior to spring practice that the medical staff hoped that giving Thurman eight months off might help facilitate healing and allow him to play.

Thurman had offseason surgery in 2013 on the same shoulder.

McElwwain said at the SEC spring meetings Tuesday that Thurman is making progress.

“He’s back lifting, doing all that stuff," he said. "Greatly needed for us at that…