Patric Young is ready to assume a leadership role for the Florida Gators.

“I think this year I’m going to be the main leader on the team,” Young said. “It’s something that everyone tells me they see in me. I see it within myself. It’s something I’ve been dreaming about. I think God has been preparing me for my whole life to be a real leader.”

Young was cleared to return to individual drills three weeks ago after a month-long bout with mononucleosis.

Billy Donovan said Young passed the team conditioning test on Tuesday.

“He’s worked very, very hard this summer,” Donovan said. “I would say a year ago him coming off of mono, he would have never had a chance to pass it. So, I’ve seen some growth in him in that area.”

Young briefly considered entering the draft after last year, but elected to return for his junior season.

“I never thought about it too much,” Young said. “I love this school too much. The first two years, I’ve grown and matured so much. I just feel when it’s time to make that decision, I’ll know. I’ll know when it’s time and I’ve learned enough as a man and as a player.”