Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
QB battle among top questions at spring game
GAINESVILLE — Coach Dan Mullen hopes to lure a record-setting crowd for today’s spring game and signal renewed enthusiasm for Florida Gators football.
On the field, the Gators will look to do their part. There will be plenty to keep an eye on: a new coaching staff, a new spread offense and 3-4 defense, another quarterback competition and plenty of familiar and new faces on both sides of the football.
Here are five things to watch during the Orange and Blue Debut:
1. Does quarterback Feleipe Franks look like the man for the starting job?
Based on experience, talent and consistency this spring, Franks is ahead of Kyle Trask and Emory Jones in the Gators’ QB race. Whether fans enter the offseason warm to the idea of Franks under center for another season hinges on this performance. Franks was fairly awful in one scrimmage, pretty much awesome in the other one. Facing the secondteam defense Saturday, Franks will have a chance to post impressive passing numbers. But Franks has been a pocket passer with a big arm his entire career; his comfort level with the rushing component of Dan Mullen’s offense will be more telling.
Coaches and teammates this spring have lauded Franks’ poise, work ethic and confidence. But the redshirt sophomore had more turnovers (11) than touchdowns (nine) in 2017 and threw three interceptions during his first spring game, in 2016. He still has a lot to prove to everyone outside the program.
2. Will the Gators’ experienced offensive line finally reach its potential?
After being pushed around yet another season, UF’s veteran O-line has one more chance to prove itself. The Gators’ front needs to come out with excitement and energy Saturday after failing to do either to open the team’s first scrimmage last month under Mullen.
Left tackle Martez Ivey is one of three seniors back, along with three-year starters T.J. McCoy at center and Jawaan Taylor at right tackle. McCoy is battling for his job with Nick Buchanan. The emergence Buchanan, a little-used redshirt junior, shows the willingness of Mullen’s staff to seek new solutions. Something has to change. UF’s defensive line lacks experience at tackle, but is loaded on the edge. Whatever the case, a lackluster night up front would raise a serious red flag.
3. How good can the Gators’ pass rush be?
Ultra-aggressive defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s 3-4 alignment along with a slew of talented pass rushers and defensive backs should generate a lot of pressure Saturday — and next season. Veterans ends CeCe Jefferson, Jabari Zuniga and Jachai Polite should thrive, while cat-quick Antonneous Clayton is poised to finally reach his potential.
Jeremiah Moon’s move from SAM linebacker to pass rusher led to 3.5 sacks in the first scrimmage. The pressure off the edge should lead to more chances for sophomore lockdown cornerbacks Marco Wilson and CJ Henderson and junior nickelback Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to create turnovers.
“I’m looking at a Top 10 defense, you know what I’m saying?,” Zuniga said.
4. Can punter Tommy Townsend replace his record-setting brother, Johnny?
Johnny Townsend led the nation in punting the past two seasons and ended his career with a SECrecord punting average of 46.2 yards. He was going to be a tough act to follow for anyone, much less for his little brother. Tommy Townsend, a redshirt junior and Tennessee transfer, is ready, but hopes to avoid the inevitable comparisons. “I’m just gonna try to do the best I can do and make a name for myself,” he said.
Tommy Townsend, like his brother, has a big leg. The key, he said, will be to match big bro’s incredible consistency. Even if Townsend can come close, the Gators would have quite a weapon.
5. Who will emerge as playmakers on offense?
When Mullen was UF’s coordinator a decade, his offense was loaded with options. In 2008, seven players scored at least five touchdowns. Only one scored more than four times a season ago for the Gators. Sophomore jack-of-alltrades Kadarius Toney — able to line up at Wildcat QB or as a slot receiver — could thrive Mullen’s spread offense.
Hard-running tailback Jordan Scarlett’s return from suspension should boost UF’s attack, too. Transfers Van Jefferson and Trevon Grimes are sure to stand out at receiver Saturday. Whether the NCAA gives either an eligibility waiver remains to be seen. Sophomore tailback/kick returner Adarius Lemons is intriguing; he could be the most explosive player on UF’s roster.