Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Optimistic Mullen ready as he heads into Year 2
Gators open practice, look to build on 10-win 2018 season
GAINESVILLE — UF’s first season under Dan Mullen ended with a flourish and a four-game win streak.
The Gators began Year 2 Tuesday looking like a team coming off a 10-win season and well familiar with their head coach’s high expectations.
Last spring was a another story.
“A lot different,” Mullen said. “I think last year, no one had an idea of what to expect coming in Day 1. But you know, especially you get in the ones, the guys that have played and have been around the program a bit more, it’s not like it’s all new.
“I think they move a little bit quicker and they know what to expect from what practice should be like.”
The Gators’ offense worked quickly and efficiently during 11-on-11 drills, indicating Mullen hopes to run more a up tempo offense this season. No more than 20 seconds — and often less — elapsed between plays. Coaches called many plays using hand signals.
Mullen said Monday he expects to be able to dig deeper into his playbook in 2019.
“There’s more you can do, but we’re going to do what our guys do well,” he said. “As the year went on, you saw that we really found out about the team. Hopefully, we know more about the team and where we’re at.
“I just think when you get out there on Day 1, there better be a lot more carryover.”
A day later Mullen was pleased.
“Good attitude,” he said Tuesday. “I liked the energy.”
More than 100 fans turned out for one of four spring practices open to the public.
“You love to see the excitement from everybody,” Mullen said. “… The passion Gator Nation has is pretty special. I think it always motivates the players.”
Mullen said tailback Malik Davis has recovered fully from a season-ending broken foot sustained Sept. 15 against Colorado State.
Davis participated fully in Tuesday’s practice, showing his trademark explosiveness and cutting ability.
Davis was the team’s leading rusher in 2017 and one of the few bright spots during a 4-7 season. But his season ended with a torn ACL in late October that year against Georgia.
Davis returns from his second serious injury in two seasons to join a crowded backfield led by senior Lamical Perine, the team’s leading rusher in 2018, and sophomore Dameon Pierce.
“He is healthy, so that’s good,” Mullen said of Davis. “Hopefully, he stays healthy and gets through the spring and gets the opportunity. He missed a good amount of playing time last year, so just getting comfortable on the offense and getting him the reps for him to be ready to play in the season.”
Meanwhile, redshirt sophomore cornerback Marco Wilson was limited six months since tearing his ACL Sept. 8 against Kentucky. Highly touted freshman Chris Steele worked with the starters, but Wilson looked quick and agile during warm-ups and running drills.
“He’ll get some experience, he’ll get some reps,” Mullen said of Steele. “Pretty similar what happened to Trey Dean III last year. When his number was called he was ready.
“I think this is great experience for him to get extra reps this spring.”
After missing most of last season due to a knee injury, redshirt freshman receiver Jacob Copeland did not practice Tuesday. Mullen said Copeland, the highest ranked recruit in UF’s 2018 class, was nursing a hamstring strain.
“He’s fine,” Mullen said.