GatorCountry.com continues its series previewing the players who will make up the 2012 Florida Gators football team this season.
Each day, we’ll count off another scholarship player until the Florida football season officially begins Sept. 1 against Bowling Green in The Swamp.
Today, we take a look at freshman quarterback Skyler Mornhinweg.
History
Skyler Mornhinweg was part of Florida’s 2012 recruiting class, committing to the Gators in January 2012. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound quarterback chose Florida over Penn State, Stanford and Tennessee.
At St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, Pa., Mornhinweg finished as the school’s all-time leading passer and fifth all-time in the city of Philadelphia’s history. As a senior, Mornhinweg threw for 1,546 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. In his career, the Philadelphia quarterback finished with 4,912 passing yards, 1,243 rushing yards and 71 total touchdowns.
Player Evaluation
Mornhinweg gives Florida another dual-threat option at the quarterback position. Although he isn’t as polished of a runner as Jeff Driskel or as big as Jacoby Brissett, Mornhinweg is still capable of breaking out of the pocket and making plays with his feet.
His throwing release is very quick and compact, and he consistently holds the ball up high while in the pocket. Mornhinweg has the ability to make any throw, but won’t blow you away with his arm strength. He shows proficiency in throwing over the top of the defense and down the field with good accuracy.
What to Expect
Mornhinweg is a talented prospect, but the chances of him seeing any playing time are very slim at this time. He’ll sit behind Brissett and Driskel on the depth chart and also will have to fight off third-string quarterback Tyler Murphy.
Both Brissett and Driskel are sophomores, so whichever quarterback wins the starting job figures to keep that position for the next two to three years. His impact will be minimal for the first few years of his career and there is a strong possibility that Mornhinweg could receive a redshirt this season.
Here are Mornhinweg’s senior highlights from the 2011 season: