Over the next 10 days, Gator Country will preview the players that make up the 2013 Florida Gators football team as we inch closer and closer to the season.
Each day we will count down using the player whose jersey number corresponds with how many days there are left until Florida kicks off against Toledo in the Swamp on August 31.
Today we take a look at redshirt junior quarterback Tyler Murphy.
History
Tyler Murphy is a dual-threat quarterback from Wethersfield High School in Connecticut. Murphy was a Temple commit before switching his pledge to the University of Florida in January of 2010.
As a freshman, Murphy dressed for all 13 of the Gators’ games but did not receive playing time, earning a redshirt. His redshirt freshman season saw Murphy get his first game action against UAB and his first SEC playing experience against Kentucky. Last season, Murphy appeared in one game – at wide receiver against South Carolina – but was the third string quarterback behind Jeff Driskel and Jacoby Brissett.
Murphy is currently the second string quarterback behind Jeff Driskel and got his first opportunity to play with the first team when Driskel was recovering from an appendectomy.
Player Evaluation
Strengths
Murphy’s biggest asset is his mobility. He is a true dual-threat quarterback and his mobility has helped the Gators prepare for mobile quarterbacks with Murphy working on the scout team. Murphy is a very effective ball carrier and makes smart decisions as an option quarterback.
Murphy has a sharp, quick delivery and a strong arm. Murphy’s speed and athleticism allows him to escape the pocket when there is pressure and he is very good at throwing on the run.
Weaknesses
Murphy needs to work on his arm accuracy and throwing mechanics. He has a strong arm but it doesn’t matter if you have a rocket launcher for a throwing arm, if you aren’t giving your receivers an opportunity to catch the ball.
What to Expect
Murphy is currently the second string quarterback and the player the coaches have the most trust in after Driskel. Murphy got an opportunity to run the first team offense for about a week in fall camp and developed a relationship with the starting receivers.
Being the No. 2 quarterback behind Driskel means that on any snap, Murphy could be called into action. Driskel has had multiple injuries in his two seasons at Florida and has yet to play through a complete season. If Driskel is to go down with another injury in 2013, Murphy will get the nod from the coaching staff and will need to be ready.
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