BR Article-Florida Football: 6 Reasons Why Gators Shouldn't Give Up on Jeff Driskel

[SavageGator]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1499008-florida-football-6-reasons-why-we-shouldnt-give-up-on-jeff-driskel

[gatordee]

I have to agree. Better line with better receivers will be huge. The biggest improvement will be the game slowing down for him.

[g8rboy]

reason #7. no other option

[geauxgator1]

I don't think anyone has given up on him except for maybe a few malcontents.
It was his first year for crying out loud as a starter. His potential is really limitless if he can continue to learn. He may have taken a step back in the Sugar Bowl, but that happens with a young Qb's learning the position.

[orangeblueorangeblue]

Bleacher Report

[UFreak]

Bleacher Report

:)

[swampsupreme]

i can give 20 reasons why we should give up.

[ItzRegardie]

reason #7. no other option

lololol.

[TWGator]

i can give 20 reasons why we should give up.

Such as?

[dawny]

Football Starts in the trenches,ask ND,OSU,LSU, when they played Bama, we should be much better also the WRs will have a large improvment ,with the Joker teaching them,how to get open and coming back to there QB when he is in trouble, I thnk most important is LT, we had a big hole there last year,Go Gators,if we are not in the top 30 in offense by the 4th game this year something is wrong.

[GatorJeff]

i can give 20 reasons why we should give up.

Why don't you do that for us. I'm sure other posters will be happy to opine on each of your "reasons".

[Swampmaster]

Alabama's QB, Mccarron is going for his third straight national title in 2013. He won his first as a sophomore and made huge plays in the title game against lsu and again last year. Big difference with alabama--maybe the best Oline in college football in 10 years, NFL first round RBs every year and very good wide receivers.

[AFCyberGator]

I would not give up on JD, but I would expect him to grow, improve upon the all-too-mentioned habits, and take advantage of the new offense (now featuring athletic WRs and an OL not at all recruited for the Meyer offense).

[GatorAvatar]

Gonna be a long off-season.

[samit23]

Who has given up on him? 11-2 as a true soph w/o a WR? JD is going to be one of the bet QBs in CFB next year.

Sent from my iPhone using GatorCountry

[gator34654]

Silly to even talk about dumping JD when you consider all the factors involved last year, pourous OL esp. LT, average wr's, new oc, and first time starter against sec calibre defenses. Lest some of you forgot, the team lost one game. To lay the blame for the sugar bowl fiasco on JD is absurd. The entire team/coaches laid a huge stinking egg.

JD is a mobile qb, when given time he was more accurate than not. Now, he does need to improve on reading defenses, getting rid of the ball sooner and be able to audible. If JD doesn't show remarkable improvement this year than yes I'll agree we need to find someone who can throw downfield.

[nawlinsgator]

i can give 20 reasons why we should give up.

So you're saying you lost 20 bucks on the Louisville game?

[sec1]

i think Jeff will improve thru spring ball and over the summer , he will be ready for next season .... Go Gators

[whitelakegator]

Another thread totally absolving JD.

It was everyone but him missing wide open receivers. It was the o line holding onto the ball too long. It was the running backs throwing at opposing defenders. It was the staff not reading defenses.

Then we'll get people asking "why are you picking on our qb" while not saying a word while people blow up wide swaths of the rest of our team.

I don't get the attacking other positions to make our qb appear better than he actually is...I'd try to relate it to something else but I know all I will get is people blaming everything under the sun except JD. Good or great QBs overcome a lot of this non-sense. If you are one of "those" Qbs...I won't go there...but how come you never hear these excuses with GREAT qbs?????

[GatorLaw]

I can't imagine that anyone would seriously think we should give up on Driskel at this point. He took his lumps as a first year/sophomore starter but he gained valuable experience and did enough things right to show that the potential is there. Why would a coach want to throw that experience and potential away and start all over again with another first-year starter, especially when we don't have some super-duper backup QB waiting in the wings.

[CAGator93]

The Sugar Bowl was one of our 2 biggest games this year?

If you say so....

[gatrfanzz]

I think the first year O coordinator carries most of the blame for not continuing the development of the passing game after the Tenn game period. Also it is the hbc philosophy to pound the ball. I would say that JD had his hands tied somewhat.

[gator34654]

Yeah, the sugar bowl, guess JD was the only one that didn't show up. Love how you force JD bad qb in your narrative. I was at the game. Yes, he made a few bad throws, but also some good ones. The vast majority of the time he had zero time, thanks esp to a LT that was a turnstile. Jeff had no running game, and still uf had no answers to 8 men in a box. No one isn't saying JD has arrived. Truth be told the entire team needs to improve. How bout wait till the end of his jr year before wanting to replace him.

[whitelakegator]

Yeah, the sugar bowl, guess JD was the only one that didn't show up. Love how you force JD bad qb in your narrative. I was at the game. Yes, he made a few bad throws, but also some good ones. The vast majority of the time he had zero time, thanks esp to a LT that was a turnstile. Jeff had no running game, and still uf had no answers to 8 men in a box. No one isn't saying JD has arrived. Truth be told the entire team needs to improve. How bout wait till the end of his jr year before wanting to replace him.

Do you remember when the corner blitzed in the SB and JD never ever even looked that way. Never read the play. THAT is what I am talking about. And why wouldn't any team put 8 in the box and blitz the crap out of him. He hasn't shown he can make the throws down field. Until he shows opposing defenses otherwise...expect a ton of pressure constantly.

And waiting till the END of someone's junior year if they are your guy or not would be a huge black mark for this staff. If we are triple digits again next year and he's starting as a senior then that's on our staff for not having another solid QB. Heck, if we are 75 or worse then I say get rid of him.

[GatorByte]

I can't imagine that anyone would seriously think we should give up on Driskel at this point. He took his lumps as a first year/sophomore starter but he gained valuable experience and did enough things right to show that the potential is there.

I'm not saying that we should give up on Driskel and completely discount the promise of his experience, but I can give you 3 examples of first-year starters that had better success at the position this past season: Marcus Mariota (Rivals 3 star, won Fiesta Bowl), Everett Golson (Rivals 3 star, went to BCSCG), and Johnny Manziel (Rivals 3 star, Heisman Trophy, won Cotton Bowl). We undoubtedly had a tougher schedule than a couple of those teams though.

Of these few mentioned above, Driskel's QB rating is only very slightly better than Golson. Based on individual play, I'd say Driskel belongs in a conversation with those other guys only relative to how well his team did overall (you could definitely argue against me on this with Golson). Certainly we shouldn't give up on Driskel. Is it wrong though to consider what else we have?

Why would a coach want to throw that experience and potential away and start all over again with another first-year starter, especially when we don't have some super-duper backup QB waiting in the wings.

How do you know we don't have a "super-duper backup QB" waiting in the wings? Based off how many stars our guys have coming out of high school? I'll remind you that the 3 players above were all Rivals 3 star players. How many did Jeff have?

I liked what I have seen in Spring games from Tyler Murphy, although it is becoming clear he is never going to get to play here. Skyler Mornhinweg was committed for a period of time to a guy now coaching in the Super Bowl and later pre-scandal Penn State, along with having some impressive video and an NFL coordinator bloodline... are we writing him off because he isn't "super-duper" enough for UF?

What about Jacob Guy, who turned down D1 offers to walk on here and was targeted by Coach Pease? How about the incoming pro-style QB Max Staver at 6'5 235? Is it because nobody here is sporting more than 3 stars?

[DrewLaing]

I didn't realize UF fans were "giving up" on Driskel already after a 11-2 season in his first year as a starter

[socraticsilence]

Who has given up on him? 11-2 as a true soph w/o a WR? JD is going to be one of the bet QBs in CFB next year.

Sent from my iPhone using GatorCountry

This sounds a lot like the people who were predicting Brantley would break out and be a Heisman candidate under Weis, if JD can improve to being a below average QB or even an average QB that would be a huge boost.

[socraticsilence]

Do you remember when the corner blitzed in the SB and JD never ever even looked that way. Never read the play. THAT is what I am talking about. And why wouldn't any team put 8 in the box and blitz the crap out of him. He hasn't shown he can make the throws down field. Until he shows opposing defenses otherwise...expect a ton of pressure constantly.

And waiting till the END of someone's junior year if they are your guy or not would be a huge black mark for this staff. If we are triple digits again next year and he's starting as a senior then that's on our staff for not having another solid QB. Heck, if we are 75 or worse then I say get rid of him.

We can't get rid of him we have no other options, honestly that's why everyone's blaming the O-line and the WRs because blaming JD is too painful. You do make a good point about defending us- why shouldn't every team just load the box with 8 or 9 guys and blitz- Reed was the one guy who kept them honest last year (he was our only real mismatch, though far, far more people malign him than JD go figure) it remains to be seen if we have anyone who can do that this upcoming season.

[NoahBeanBizzel]

Gonna be a long off-season.

The topic will go away for a few months, but expect it to come back roaring by the time fall practice rolls around. Well, you'll probably see a few of these threads peppered in right before/during/after spring practice, so maybe not.

[RealDeal]

first big game for driskel--sept 7--at miami---their secondary isn't that good so he should light it up. First real test against a good D: oct 12 at lsu---could be rough if he doesn't improve a lot from last year

[swampsupreme]

So you're saying you lost 20 bucks on the Louisville game?

Jeff driskels lack of skill goes beyond the louisville game my friend

[GatorLaw]

. . . How do you know we don't have a "super-duper backup QB" waiting in the wings? Based off how many stars our guys have coming out of high school? I'll remind you that the 3 players above were all Rivals 3 star players. How many did Jeff have? . . .

By "super duper" I just meant that we don't have some 5 star, All-American QB backing up JD. It's possible Murphy or Mornengweig (sp?) could turn out to be great if they had a chance. But since they were behind not only JD but also JB I have to think the coaches haven't seen enough there to give them a shot.

[GeomatGator]

Jeff Driskel should start because he is by far the best QB we have on roster for the next 2 years. Which is sad.

[orangeblueorangeblue]

Yeah it's sad when your best QB was a 5-star guy who could only beat out another 4-star/5-star guy.

Seriously, folks.

[whitelakegator]

By "super duper" I just meant that we don't have some 5 star, All-American QB backing up JD. It's possible Murphy or Mornengweig (sp?) could turn out to be great if they had a chance. But since they were behind not only JD but also JB I have to think the coaches haven't seen enough there to give them a shot.

Shane Matthews was 4th on the depth chart if I remember correctly. I'll reiterate one last time...if you are 115th or 116th in passing or however bad it was...that's not just an o line problem or wide receivers problem. That is a quarterback problem.

I know some are afraid to even attempt that thought but at this point we can only hope for the best. JD needs to work his behind off as we all wait with bated breath.

[PSGator66]

I didn't know that anyone was giving up on Jeff! I thought he played very well in his first full year as a starter and expect even better next year.

[gator07]

He played a near-perfect game against Tennessee. Every thing else was hit or miss. Very inconsistent. Flashes of brilliance mixed with mediocre and even poor play at times.

I wouldn't give up on him. The potential is obviously there. The coaches need to just coach him up.

[1gatorbear]

I'm not giving up on Jeff, because for one, he is the best option we have. The Miami game will tell alot about what type qb he will be for us moving forward.

[ofmgator]

Anyone who thinks JD didn't play well last year is an out and out idiot! Was he perfect...hell no. Can he improve...hell yes. Go back and check Florida football and see how many 11 win seasons we've had before you make dumb statements! We lost to Louisville because their QB could not miss an open player...why? because our DB's were no where to be seen until the 4th quarter when our D began to play and the offense was better too. Get off Driskel and question the game plan and the lethargy of the entire team.

[Swampmaster]

who's giving up---he just needs to up his game in 2013---fewer sacks, better reads, better throws---very simple.

[canadian_gator]

Yeah it's sad when your best QB was a 5-star guy who could only beat out another 4-star/5-star guy.

Seriously, folks.

What do stars matter? Brantley was a 5 star...

[sgtfury]

reason #7. no other option

The best reason #7.

[whitelakegator]

Anyone who thinks JD didn't play well last year is an out and out idiot! Was he perfect...hell no. Can he improve...hell yes. Go back and check Florida football and see how many 11 win seasons we've had before you make dumb statements! We lost to Louisville because their QB could not miss an open player...why? because our DB's were no where to be seen until the 4th quarter when our D began to play and the offense was better too. Get off Driskel and question the game plan and the lethargy of the entire team.

I would have left you alone had you not resorted to insults.

Ever hear the name TRENT DILFER?

Yes, let's attack others instead of the QB of the 103rd ranked total offense and the 5th WORST passing attack in all of football. Where the teams this bad all ran the triple option. I don't have to ABSOLVE Driskel of anything. He played poorly while the TEAM had a nice record at 11-2. We had some luck plays like the blocked punt to help us to that 11-2. To say JD lead us to 11-2 is a gross injustice to our defense and Mike G.

The TEAM went 11-2. It is a great accomplishment but I think most will agree....it had little to do with JD.

[ces1948]

Driskel is a fair QB but not outstanding at this point. Maybe he will get better, funny thing they don't all get better with experience, some regress. In the meantime open the competition this spring and let's see what happens.

[GATORAZ]

Driskel is a fair QB but not outstanding at this point. Maybe he will get better, funny thing they don't all get better with experience, some regress. In the meantime open the competition this spring and let's see what happens.

open it up to who?

[PIMking]

we were praising him until the line got hurt now he sucks? god our fans are just awful sometimes

[whitelakegator]

we were praising him until the line got hurt now he sucks? god our fans are just awful sometimes

I don't think anyone said those words. But heaven forbid you critique him...here come the pitchforks and torches. It seems the company line is blame our o line and wrs till your tongue hurts but don't say a thing about the QB. Does that make much sense to you?

[gatorr4life]

Bleacher Report

Thank you.

[madgator]

we should be so fortunate to have a 19 year old first year starter who has 1st round NFL physical tools helping us to a 11-2 record against a schedule that included what 5 top 10 teams.

c'mon

perspective people and then we wonder why we lose a coach like Urban Meyer to stress. some of you are unreal in your expectations.


this is JDs most important growth year. Jeff made huge strides from freshman to sophomore season. this is the year he has to take himself from a credible SEC starting QB (which he already is) to an elite nationally recognized top talent.

yes, he has a ton of room to grow. but THAT is where the excitement lies. The physical tools and the talent is obvious. Where can he go from here?

we could all be in for a real treat next year!

[Matthanuf06]

He is a young guy that has performed below average, but has the tools to be elite. The number of wins is irrelevant. By that logic we had great WRs and OL because we won 11 games!! We cannot give up on Jeff because he's shown flashes and has tons of potential. But if 2012 is the best we get from Jeff then he would be a major bust, but personally I think he makes a big step forward

[GATORAZ]

He is a young guy that has performed below average, but has the tools to be elite. The number of wins is irrelevant. By that logic we had great WRs and OL because we won 11 games!! We cannot give up on Jeff because he's shown flashes and has tons of potential. But if 2012 is the best we get from Jeff then he would be a major bust, but personally I think he makes a big step forward

I disagree he has performed below average. What are you basing this off? If he had the team would have not won 11 games.

[madgator]

He is a young guy that has performed below average, but has the tools to be elite. The number of wins is irrelevant. By that logic we had great WRs and OL because we won 11 games!! We cannot give up on Jeff because he's shown flashes and has tons of potential. But if 2012 is the best we get from Jeff then he would be a major bust, but personally I think he makes a big step forward

his stats weren't really that bad. the only game that I thought he played especially poorly (overall) in was the Georgia game.

the sugar bowl was abortion on all fronts.

[crestviewgator]

Another thread totally absolving JD.

It was everyone but him missing wide open receivers. It was the o line holding onto the ball too long. It was the running backs throwing at opposing defenders. It was the staff not reading defenses.

Then we'll get people asking "why are you picking on our qb" while not saying a word while people blow up wide swaths of the rest of our team.

I don't get the attacking other positions to make our qb appear better than he actually is...I'd try to relate it to something else but I know all I will get is people blaming everything under the sun except JD. Good or great QBs overcome a lot of this non-sense. If you are one of "those" Qbs...I won't go there...but how come you never hear these excuses with GREAT qbs?????

Let me ask you, did you watch any aTm games this year Johnny f...... Ball had enough time to tie his shoes back there. And when the rush got there he was ready to scat ..... oline was the problem later in the year, SURE JEFF HELD ON TO THE BALL EARLY IN THE SEASON ( POINT TAKEN ) but he won us a few games too .. Do you disagree?

[UGator]

Just watched the re-run of the 2008 UF-FSU game and was amazed again at all the
Gator talent on the field and Tebow was just a rare player and leader.

Driskel can't be like any other UF QB, he just has to be as good as HE can be. He needs to prepare himself to lead the team, either in word or action, and encourage his WR's and OL and RB's to buy into his leadership. It's easier for a player who has a dominant personality, but even more humble or quiet QB's can still be effective.

2013 will be his year if he is the guy and develops himself into managing the team. We will be defensive oriented with Muschamp, but hopefully Pease will have more options to effectively install his entire offense.

[SkyChimp]

reason #7. no other option

I'm sorry did I miss something??? Where did all this 'Give up on Jeff' stuff come from? 11-2 for the 2012 season and that was only with Reed receiving. He's built like Tebow and can run out of trouble.

[UFreak]

I think Jeff will take a step forward in his QB play this year. The thing is, he needs to take a significant step forward if this offense is to become a good or very good one. A better line will help and better receivers will too (obviously).
My concern is that Jeff did not display the ability to sense pressure in the pocket. The great ones get that. They feel it and make plays by making a move to avoid it at the last second while still remaining aware of what is taking place down field. And the great ones anticipate receivers breaking open.
To me, Jeff was not good at anticipating pressure or receivers breaking open last year. Can it be learned? I think so. But some just have it. Jeff will have to better understand it moving forward.

[g8rboy]

I was, in no way, saying I don't like Driskel. I was just trying to figure out who a disgruntled fan would replace him with.

[Matthanuf06]

I disagree he has performed below average. What are you basing this off? If he had the team would have not won 11 games.

His performance. How about this...where would be have ranked amongst SEC QBs? At best it's in the middle. If Jeff would have performed like a top 3 QB in the conference we'd be have the crystal in a display case.

Having the best D in the nation can hide a lot of problems.

[g8tr96]

Yeah....I agree. Jeff had nothing to do with any of our 11 wins last year. In fact, I think he only got to play in the games that we lost or struggled in. Hopefully the staff recognizes that and also gets him in the games we win next season.


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[GeomatGator]

I think to a lot of us fans Jeff looks like the anti-Branley. A spread option QB stuck in a pro-style offense. Our passing game was one of the worst in football, and we struggled against Jax State and ULL in the 10th and 11th games of the year....but yeah, we're the insane idiots for doubting our QB.

[MusicCityGator]

This thread has been hi-jacked and turned into a pissin contest by the haters. Closed