GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) A recruiting class heavy on offense greeted new Florida head coach Ron Zook on Wednesday as the Gators' freshmen practiced for the first time.

It was also Florida's first practice in 12 years without Steve Spurrier in charge.

Zook, Florida's defensive coordinator from 1991-93, has to follow the coach who managed a 122-27-1 record in 12 seasons, winning six Southeastern Conference titles and the 1996 national championship.

Most of Zook's first freshmen class face an uphill battle on a team that will have few open positions once the full squad begins working out Monday.

The only clear exception is at wide receiver, where the early departure of Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell to the NFL left senior Taylor Jacobs as the only proven player.

Five freshmen lined up at the position Wednesday morning, with a sixth, Dallas Baker, still hoping to become academically eligible.

"About every three or four years at the University of Florida, that kind of happens," Zook said. "Particularly with the two players coming out early, this is their chance."

Florida's light defensive class became smaller Wednesday when linebacker Channing Crowder decided not to enroll for the fall semester. Zook said Crowder was rehabilitating an injured knee and would arrive in the spring.

Only seven scholarship freshmen - four defensive linemen and three defensive backs - practiced with the defense Wednesday.

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