The Gators reported for fall camp yesterday, meaning that we are one step closer to seeing real, live Gator football. Practice makes perfect, after all, and championships are won in the offseason. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the five main things to keep an eye out for as fall practice begins:
5) Is the secondary deserving of its hype?
We all know the answer to this question, at least on paper, is a resounding yes. Between Vernon Hargreaves, Jalen Tabor, Brian Poole, Quincy Wilson and Keanu Neal, there’s tons of talent in the Gators’ defensive backfield. But the back end of Florida’s defense let the team down at times last year, getting burned several times for huge plays over the top. Then again, at other times, it was fantastic. It promises to be even better this year with all key pieces returning. I’m anxious to see how the secondary as a whole performs in fall practice- not just in terms of intercepting and breaking up passes, but in terms of energy level, being in the right spot at the right time and just generally displaying a high level of awareness and focus.
4) Calling all wide receivers… time to step up
Demarcus Robinson proved last year that he’s a capable deep threat. After that, though, the Gators’ wide receiver depth chart drops off sharply, at least in the production department. Quinton Dunbar and Andre Debose, for all their natural ability, never really did much of anything in their Gator careers. The last thing I want to see is more highly touted wide receiver recruits follow in their footsteps. The task falls on young but talented receivers such as Brandon Powell, CJ Worton, Antonio Callaway, Kalif Jackson, Raphael Andrades and Ryan Sousa to step into larger roles and make some plays in the passing game. Florida got some solid play from tight ends Jake McGee and C’yontai Lewis in spring ball, but as wonderful a luxury as playmaking tight ends can be, the Gators simply have to find at least one more (and preferably two) dependable receivers.
3) Freshmen sensations on offense
Florida could have up to four true freshmen starting on the offensive side of the ball this year: running back Jordan Scarlett, offensive linemen Tyler Jordan and Martez Ivey and the aforementioned Antonio Callaway at wide receiver. Each of them were huge gets for Florida on the recruiting trail, but now it’s time for the de-recruiting process, i.e. “we still love you, but now it’s time to get to work, and you’re no more important than anybody else on this team.” I don’t think attitudes will be a problem among these guys, but it’s always something to be wary of, especially when there are several of them who could realistically see playing time. But on a more positive note, this is where these guys have their chances to shine. Scarlett will compete to be the #2 running back behind Kelvin Taylor, Callaway will audition for a key role in a receiver corps that’s been dreadful the past few years and Ivey/Jordan will be looking to cement starting roles on an offensive line that needs a complete overhaul. All their high school tapes are now officially irrelevant. Let’s see what they’ve got as college football players.
2) Development of the offensive line
The aforementioned Tyler Jordan and Martez Ivey are more than going get their fair shot to start on the offensive line. But that’s not to say that they’ll get starting spots, nor will McElwain ignore the other contenders. The only two spots that are even close to having guaranteed starters are Trip Thurman at center and David Sharpe at left tackle. The rest of the line? Well, that’s the adventure. Thurman and Sharpe are the only two returning contributors to the line, and so the other three spots are completely up in the air. My best guesses to start are: prized freshman Martez Ivey at right tackle, Fordham transfer Mason Halter at right guard and redshirt sophomore Antonio Riles at left guard. But McElwain has also said that Thurman will need to be able to learn all five positions on the offensive line, meaning if somebody like Tyler Jordan (a more natural center) really impresses, Thurman can move over so Jordan can play his most natural position. Expect everybody to get a fair shot, but this line is going to be criticized heavily regardless of who plays if it doesn’t perform well this year.
1) Quarterback battle
The biggest offseason debate was who would win the starting QB job. It appears to be Will Grier’s job to lose at this point, as he’s a more natural pocket passer with the better arm. Plus, Treon Harris missed some time in the spring for personal reasons. And while one of the things Harris has working for him is his mobility, Grier has decent wheels of his own. That said, Harris does have the experience edge over Grier, starting for most of last season after replacing the ineffective Jeff Driskel. He also throws a prettier ball than given credit for. But given all that’s happened since last season ended, I’d be shocked if Grier doesn’t start the season opener against New Mexico State. Even putting that aside, though, I’m interested to see how these guys do as leaders. Which of them clicks with their teammates better and just makes them play better, period. These are the things you can’t teach and don’t show up in the stats, but are undeniably crucial in picking the starting QB.
