Florida football has been in camp for seven days, and what an eventful week of practice it has been.
Among the hurdles Florida has had to overcome: Matt Jones’ viral infection, Jeff Driskel’s appendectomy, Andre Debose’s torn ACL, Matt Rolin’s torn ACL, Roderick Johnson’s meniscus surgery, Antonio Morrison’s absence due to suspension, uncertainty at wide receiver, tight end, safety, kicker and a partridge in a pear tree – I think.
It’s not all bad though. The Gators – at least those not victim to injury – enter camp with a sense of security in the fact that they aren’t faced with learning any new terminology. It’s the second year in offensive coordinator Brent Pease’s system and the third under Muschamp’s defensive system. Muschamp echoed the sentiments that comfort breeds success.
“We’re seven practices in and it’s good for us in the sense that now defensively, going into the third year of a scheme in a system and then offensively, now in year two, our special teams, there’s so much carry-over of what we’re doing,” Muschamp said. “I’m pleased with where we are at this point after seven practices.”
With week one behind them, Florida looks to week two of fall camp. Things are most certainly looking up, starting with the fact that the Gators will get their starting quarterback back. Driskel returned to practice yesterday and judging by his performance, won’t be holding the team back as he gets acclimated to practice once more.
“He had great command. He threw the ball extremely well. Nice zip on the ball. He threw a couple nice touch passes. I thought he looked sharp,” Muschamp said
The continuity going into the regular season is a battle Florida will begin to fight August 31st, for now, the Gators can only go about things like they already are, practice by practice, week by week.