WR Jefferson sees big things for young QB
GAINESVILLE — It was just one pass, but it left quite an impression on Florida Gators receiver Van Jefferson.
First-year freshman Emory Jones’ initial throw at the college level could have been — should have been — a touchdown to Jefferson.
With UF trailing 23-14 early in the fourth quarter, Jones fired a perfect spiral down the field to Jefferson, who had beaten Georgia defensive back Tyson Campbell.
Transfixed on Jones’ toss, Jefferson soon was grabbed by Campbell near the goal line before the football arrived, drawing a pass-interference call and a 15-yard penalty.
The Gators eventually would settle for a field goal during a 36-17 loss, leaving Jefferson, Jones and UF fans to wonder what could have been.
Based on Jones’ throw, Jefferson has a good feeling about what could be once Jones is under center for the Gators.
“He made a great pass. I think I could have adjusted to the ball better,” Jefferson said Tuesday. “For him being that, like his first throw, that pretty surprised me. It came out so pretty and I was just focused on it so much, so when I seen it I was just like [eyes wide], like Emory has an arm.
“Emory's going quarterback.” How good? “I feel like he's going to lead this program to a national championship in time,” Jefferson said.
The sure-handed Jefferson quickly caught himself, adding, “Feleipe is, too,” referencing current starter Feleipe Franks.
Franks finished last Saturday’s loss with a season-low 105 passing yards but is secure in his role as UF’s starting quarterback.
Meanwhile, coach Dan Mullen said Jones will see action in two more games, allowing the Gators to take advantage of the new rule to be a great allowing freshman to play times without sacrificing a season.
Jones has played just seven snaps this season, including five against Georgia. Like a lot of Florida fans, redshirt junior Jefferson has seen enough to be a big fan of the 18-year-old from Georgia.
“Emory is a cool kid,” Jefferson said. “He's quiet. He goes about his business, he works hard. I'm proud of him. He really put the work in.” four redshirt
Dean’s progress: Freshman cornerback Trey Dean is growing up fast.
A season-ending injury to sophomore Marco Wilson forced Dean, a former Under Armour AllAmerican, into a bigger role.
When a back injury led to C.J. Henderson's exit against Georgia, Dean suddenly became the Gators' top cornerback. Dean met the challenge. “Trey is a guy who has played a lot of snaps. He’s probably one of the most competitive guys I’ve ever been around,” UF defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said. “He has a passion to play the game. Has length, size for the position, has athletic ability, has a competitive edge to want to be the best at his position.
“He has continued to work to perfect his craft and has done a good job for us and has been in some situations where he’s had to make some plays out there on an island. We’re going to continue to work to develop him and make sure he continues to be productive for us.”
Overall, Dean has recorded 17 tackles and four pass break-ups, tied for the team lead.
Davis returns: Offensive line coach Brad Davis spent the 2017 season at UF. On Saturday, though, he will coach in the Swamp for the fourth straight year.
For the third time, Davis will face the Gators while at another school. Davis coached at East Carolina in 2015, North Texas at 2016 and now is Missouri's offensive line coach.
Davis was hired last season by former UF coach Jim McElwain to develop an underachieving offensive line. But a 4-7 finish led to a house-cleaning of the coaching staff.
Davis now returns to Florida to face his former players at 4 p.m. Saturday when Missouri visits the Swamp. The Tigers' offensive line has been solid during this first season, allowing just 10 sacks. That is tied for second fewest in the SEC with the Gators and South Carolina.
UF freshman Evan McPherson is among 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award, given to the nation's top placekicker.
McPherson has been a key factor in the No. 11 Gators' success. He has made 12 of his 13 field-goal attempts. His 39-yard miss Sept. 8 against Kentucky is highly debatable, based on the officials' call.
Twice named SEC Freshman of the Week, McPherson also has totaled 25 touchbacks on 47 kickoffs.