A Look Ahead: 2013 Gator Football

[BengermanV]

So every year (not always this early), I put together a thread about what we should expect next year. Now, we can't know for sure what the depth chart will look like next year because there will surely be some late transfers and recruits that we get. I'll do my best to put every position at two deep, and then I'll go over next years schedule and then maybe some predictions...

Gator Offense

Quarterback:

1. Jeff Driskel
2. Jacoby Brissett*
3. Tyler Murphy*

Thoughts:

This position is probably set in stone, but there are some who believe it shouldn't be. Unless Brissett is assured of another QB battle over the summer, it's hard to see either him or Murphy staying another year. If this is the case, either Max Staver or Tyler Mornhinweg would have to step up.

Running Back:

1. Matt Jones
2. Kelvin Taylor
3. Mack Brown
4. Adam Lane

Thoughts:

It was great to see Gilly finally get some playing time, and succeed with what he had. Lets admit it, our offensive line was subpar this year and was consistently beat in the later parts of the season and Gillislee was still able to have a monster year. At the same time, I'd argue that Matt Jones was the better of the two backs in the second half of the year, and is still developing as a runner. With some more protection (hopefully), he may be poised to surpass Gillislee big year. Kelvin Taylor will probably start the season behind Mack Brown, but it's hard to believe he won't get enough touches to surpass him.

Wide Receiver (x):

1. Quinton Dunbar
2. Latroy Pittman
3. Raphael Andares

Wide Receiver (y):

1. Andre Debose
2. Solaman Patton
3. Ahmad Fullwood

Thoughts:

Where to begin? The WR play was atrocious in 2012, and you could argue that our best ball catchers didn't even play the position (Reed, Gilly, Burton, Hines). Dunbar was the lone bright spot, emerging a little bit towards the end of the year. He was wide open most of the UL game, he just need Driskel to get him the ball. After Dunbar, this gets a lot harder to predict. Most wouldn't be surprised to see Debose emerge in sort of a Gillislee 2012 kind of way, but it's hard to rely on him as being a playmaker for us when he can't seem to stay on the field. Alvin Bailey and Fullwood should help, but the Gators haven't had a Freshman WR make an impact since Harvin. Perhaps another season will help Pittman, who was otherwise a disappointment this year. Loucheiz being put out here is a possibility, and he would instantly jump up the depth chart.

Tight End:

1. Kent Taylor
2. Colin Thompson
3. Clay Burton

Thoughts:

Reed who? We underutilized a position of depth for us this year, but I guarantee we won't next year. Taylor needs some muscle on him and Thompson has the potential to be a Gronk like TE with good hands and route-running ability. Burton looks to stay low on the depth chart unless he can find a way to put some stick 'em on his gloves.

Fullback:

1. Hunter Joyer

Thoughts:

Arguably the best blocker on our team, this is the one position everyone can say for a certainty is all locked up, unless for an injury.

Offensive Line (Moving from LT to RT):

1. DJ Humphries (LT)
2. Trenton Brown

1. Max Garcia (LG)
2. Jessaman Dunker

1. Jonathan Harrison (C)
2. Dillard

1. Jon Halapio (RG)
2. Tommy Jordan

1. Tyler Moore (RT)
2. Chaz Green

Thoughts:

It doesn't look too promising as it stands, but I think most would agree that replacing Nixon with a more experienced Humphries will be a good thing. Max Garcia might jump in and be our best OL next year, and having Chaz Green to fill in would be a huge bonus. The tackle position gets much stronger, but no real help seems to be on the way via recruiting. The guard positions don't look terrible either, but there is a bigger question mark where the depth is concerned. The addition of Tyler Moore from Nebraska will help other players slide over and cover those depth issues if need be.

Wildcat:

1. Trey Burton

Gator Defense:

Defensive Back:

1. Marcus Roberson
2. Loucheiz Purifoy

1. Jaylen Watkins
2. Vernon Hargreaves III

Thoughts:

Easily our best position. Roberson and Watkins were great all year, and the addition of Hargreaves might make it possible for Purifoy to move over to the WR, where talent and speed is desperately needed.

Linebacker (LOLB to ROLB):

1. Jelani Jenkins (LOLB)
2. Neiron Ball

1. Michael Taylor (MLB)
2. Darren Kitchens

1. Antonio Morrison (ROLB)
2. Rolin/Hearns

Thoughts:

Losing Bostic and Elam (who often played in a LB position) will probably hurt, but Morrison and Jenkins might be the best pair of OLB in the SEC. Michael Taylor has been great as a backup, so we'll see if he is able to make the transition to a starter. Lots of help coming via recruiting as well.

Defensive End:

1. Dante Fowler
2. Jonathan Bullard

1. Dominique Easley
2. Ronald Powell

Thoughts:

If DB is our best position, Defensive End would be our second best. If Ronald Powell gets back to full health and is the same player all the coaches were praising him to be pre-injury, we will be stacked. Bullard and Fowler are beasts.

Tackle:

1. Damien Jacobs
2. Leon Orr
3. Dominique Easley

Thoughts:

I struggled to come up with a whole lot of depth here, but given that Muschamp likes to move people around on defense and we could easily switch to a more heavy 3-4 defense (which we ran often in 2012), I'm not too worried about it. Jacobs and Orr were solid all year, and Easley has proven that he can move over and still be dominant if need be.

Safety:

1. Brian Poole
2. Valdez Showers

1. Jabari Gorman
2. Keanu Neal

Thoughts:

We don't lack for talent, just experience. And with the safety position, I'd rather have the latter. This will be a position to watch for next year, and we'll know early whether or not this position will be something to worry for the rest of the year. Look for the Freshman to get lots of playing time here.

Who did I miss (I'm sure I missed a few)? Discuss who you want to see where next year, and what our positions of strength and weakness are!

[BengermanV]

This post is reserved for the discussion of the Gator Football 2013 schedule.

Toledo Rockets

Thoughts: Toledo had a dynamic offense this year that ran to the tune of almost 200 YPG on the ground last year, and led them to a 9-3 regular season record before falling to Utah State in their bowl game. They have a huge playmaker in Terrance Owens, who will be a senior QB next year and passed for nearly 3000 yards this year. As was shown this year, the Gators were able to shut down good QB play most of the year, so we shouldn't worry too much about this one. As long as the Gators are ready to put some points on the board, that is.

Prediction: Gators win, 31-10

At Miami Hurricanes

Thoughts: Is anyone as excited about this game as I am? Miami took a pretty significant step forward this year and went 7-5 with a bunch of losses to ranked teams (3 of their 5). They have a freshman RB that might rival any in the country by the name of Duke Johnson (947 Rushing). The bigger question mark is the consistency of the Miami Defense and QB Stephen Morris.

Prediction: Gators roll, 38-17

Tennessee Volunteers

Thoughts: It's weird to think Tennessee won't be the worst team we face in conference all year, because they'll almost certainly be pretty bad next year. With the loss of all of their playmakers on offense, their head coach, and a defense that was already pretty poor, it's hard to see where Tennessee has a chance. If they do, it's in their RB's Neal and Lane who rushed for a combine total of well over 1,000 yards last year.

Prediction: Gators win, 27-6

At Kentucky Wildcats

Thoughts: Oh, that's right, we still play Kentucky.

Prediction: Gators win, 41-7

Arkansas Razorbacks

Thoughts: We got lucky, because Arkansas will almost assuredly have a down year next year with yet another coaching change and a major loss of their production on offense. The beginning part of our schedule sets up very nicely. There aren't many redeeming qualities about this team.

Prediction: Gators stay undefeated, 24-13

At LSU Tigers

Thoughts: Here it is sportsfans. The biggest game of the year. Get through this, and all that's left in the regular season is taking revenge on the Dawgs and sticking a fork in the Noles. This LSU offense is going to be very dangerous next year, returning their leading WR, CB, and RB. Paired with what has been a consistently great defense, this game is going to be tough. It also might be the only game we aren't favored in the entire year.

Prediction: LSU wins, 23-17

At Missouri Tigers

Thoughts: Win or lose (LSU), this is a trap game. If we lose, hopefully the team comes prepared to play and knows we are still in charge of our SEC fortunes, and likely, a championship bid. Missouri was sneaky good most of the year and fizzled out towards the end of the season. I wouldn't put it past them to pull this upset, but with their lack of defensive weapons, I feel pretty good that they won't.

Prediction: Gators avoid the upset, 27-21

Georgia Bulldogs

Thoughts: Like it or not, Georgia is going to be good again next year. BUT, I don't think they'll be nearly as good. With the possible loss of Murray and almost every stud they have on defense, it may be a middle of the road season for them. They also lose their leading WR, so look for the pass game to struggle. Still, this game is always tough.

Prediction: Gators beat the Dawgs, 28-20

Vanderbilt Commodores

Thoughts: I'd be more worried if this was in Nashville, but seeing as it isn't, I don't think the Gators will lose. It's hard to say whether Franklin caught lighting in a bottle with his squad last year, but I think it would be safer to assume that he didn't and he just knows how to get the best out of his talent. Still, they lose quite a bit of their production (including their QB) from last year.

Prediction: Gators take care of business, 24-10

At South Carolina

Thoughts: It's easy to see why this game could spell trouble for the Gators. South Carolina is going to return a scary defense and thats a recipe for disaster on the road. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the lowest scoring game of 2013 for the Gators. Watch out for Clowney (again).

Prediction: Gators pull it out, 16-10

Georgia Southern Eagles

Thoughts: Finally, the Gators get a second to catch their breath.

Prediction: Gators roll, 38-3

Florida State Seminoles

Thoughts: Due to a weak ACC and an offense that will probably get a little more lively with the loss of EJ Manuel, the Noles will get here with only one or two losses on their plate. This game means something again, so the Swamp will be rocking for sure. If this were at Doak, it may be a different story, but it's not. And Werner and the rest of that nasty defensive line is gone, along with most of their secondary. I feel good the streak moves to 2.

Prediction: Gators win, 28-17

[Cash_Gator]

Max Garcia is moving to a guard so chance that and push Silberman back to the end of the line. You also forgot the transfer of Tyler Moore who started a season at Nebraska as a freshman before coming to Florida and the EE Trenton Brown who is 6'8 350. I think our line will be a strength next season. It will look closer to this...

LT- Humphries
- Brown
LG- Garcia
- Dunker
C- Harrison
- Dillard
RG- Halapio
- Jordan
RT - Moore
- Green

[GATORAZ]

edit

[BengermanV]

Originally Posted by Cash_Gator

Max Garcia is moving to a guard so chance that and push Silberman back to the end of the line. You also forgot the transfer of Tyler Moore who started a season at Nebraska as a freshman before coming to Florida and the EE Trenton Brown who is 6'8 350. I think our line will be a strength next season. It will look closer to this...

LT- Humphries
- Brown
LG- Garcia
- Dunker
C- Harrison
- Dillard
RG- Halapio
- Jordan
RT - Moore
- Green

Thanks! Will update.

Also just posted the schedule and some predictions. Feel free to add yours.

[eastowest]

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To start the year....

[eastowest]

A week off b4 UGA helps
Vandy b4 SC
Ga. Southern b4 fsu

[cruzgator]

You forgot about Patton at WR

[GatorJeff]

Thanks for the breakdown!

Questions/comments....didn't see Solomon Patton on the depth chart, Purifoy will start at safety before he rides the pine at corner, and is Easley really coming back? Also, hard to believe a healthy Ronald Powell wouldn't start, and need to add Marcus Maye at safety.

[Jonas]

I think we beat LSU. They are losing A LOT of players this year to graduation and the draft.

[BengermanV]

Thanks everyone. The corrections have been made.

[jcorb3233]

Marcus Maye (and maybe even Ledbetter) will be in the mix for a starting job at one of the Safety spots. Poole is more of a corner back. Hopefully we can land Demarcus Robinson for WR help.

[619_Gator]

Add Daniel McMillan at LB somewhere. He will contribute next year. Ledbetter at Safety is going to surprise the hell out people next year.

[LimeyGator]

I would expect JUCO Cummings to be involved in the rotation at DT.

Maye is also another one (as posted above) that I expect to be involved. He was a highly sought after recruit with a big offer list - I would hope he's ready, along with Ledbetter. That said, although we'll be young back there, think of the recruits coming in - Washington, Keanu Neal, Marcell Harris... that's some talent. Brian Poole can't be overlooked either!

EDIT: And McMillan yes, I knew I missed someone! He's a quality LB...

[LimeyGator]

As for your schedule... I love your optimism, I really do.

I'm not sure I see the same outcome over SC that you do. That will be a tough, tough game with them so raw from the kicking they took this year and they could be faced with "Win for the SEC East" as motivation in that game too if they handle Georgia early...

[DawgFanFromAlabam]

I think UGA's passing game will be fine. You're right about losing King - the leading WR. However, Michael Bennett was leading the team in receptions and yards when he went out with torn ACL but will be back next year. Malcolm Mitchell played CB for 4 games but finished the season with 2 less catches than King. Both TEs return and Conley, Wooten and others played a lot and looked good. Scott-Wesley looked good in the bowl game. Gurley and Marshall (remember his TD catch in bowl game?) both catch well out of the backfield. Oline returns, as will two leading FBs. If Murray returns, the offense will be better than this year.

And the rushing game should be solid with Gurley and Marshall.

The defense will be a huge question mark. However, last year's #6 in the SEC unit was disappointing and underperformed...so it's not like UGA is trying to replace a top 5 defense.

[BengermanV]

Originally Posted by DawgFanFromAlabam

I think UGA's passing game will be fine. You're right about losing King - the leading WR. However, Michael Bennett was leading the team in receptions and yards when he went out with torn ACL but will be back next year. Malcolm Mitchell played CB for 4 games but finished the season with 2 less catches than King. Both TEs return and Conley, Wooten and others played a lot and looked good. Scott-Wesley looked good in the bowl game. Gurley and Marshall (remember his TD catch in bowl game?) both catch well out of the backfield. Oline returns, as will two leading FBs. If Murray returns, the offense will be better than this year.

And the rushing game should be solid with Gurley and Marshall.

The defense will be a huge question mark. However, last year's #6 in the SEC unit was disappointing and underperformed...so it's not like UGA is trying to replace a top 5 defense.

That's a good point. Mitchell is very good, and I wouldn't be surprised if he picked up the rest of the teams slack. Your rushing game might be the best in the SEC next year. When you lose guys like Jarvis Jones and Rambo though, your defense is going to take a hit. I don't think we'll blow you guys out at all next year, I just feel better than I do about this years game (I predicted wins every game of the season aside from LSU and Georgia) just because I think your defense was a sleeping giant that would waken during big games.

[whitelakegator]

Losing Bostic, Floyd, and Elam is HUGE. I truly expect the defense to take a step back. Which means the offense will need to score more...possibly much more. Can JD win us games with his arm? I just don't feel good about the idea.

[LimeyGator]

Originally Posted by whitelakegator

Losing Bostic, Floyd, and Elam is HUGE. I truly expect the defense to take a step back. Which means the offense will need to score more...possibly much more. Can JD win us games with his arm? I just don't feel good about the idea.

It it huge. Losing All-Americans will always hurt, as does the loss of accomplished Seniors.

However this is the cycle that repeats every year. We feel those losses right now but there will be players that step up too. That's the way it is and always will be.

Your next Elam, Bostic or Floyd has just yet to show themselves yet.

As for JD's arm, without wanting to get into another Driskel-debate-ad-nauseum, his arm is fine. He will continue to develop, give him his chance.

[whitelakegator]

I am sure we will have the next man up mentality however even Bama took a step back after losing their studs. I have no reason to think we won't either.