2013 Gators - Questions

[mulegator]

By Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel

* Returning offensive players on the depth chart: 6

* Returning defense players on the depth chart: 4

* Returning special teams players on the depth chart: 3

What went right in 2012 ..

Most everything went the Gators' way until their Sugar Bowl no-show. Florida increased its regular-season win total by five behind one of the nation's best defenses and stellar special teams' play. The Gators' offense often sputtered, but sophomore Jeff Driskel became the clear-cut starter in Week 1 - and going forward. Coach Will Muschamp would like a more explosive offense, but demands a tough, opportunistic team like the 2012 Gators. During the regular season, Florida committed just 12 turnovers, held opponents to 29 fourth-quarter points and staged five second-half comebacks. Those numbers will be difficult to match, but set a standard for the style of football Muschamp expects.

What went wrong in 2012 ..

A six-turnover day against Georgia cost Florida a shot at the SEC Championship. A one-sided loss to Louisville cast a cloud over an otherwise remarkable season. Driskel, who had six turnovers and suffered eight sacks in his team's losses, routinely showed poor pocket presence. Florida's lack of playmakers on offense also was glaring; and junior tight end Jordan Reed, the leading receiver, will head to the NFL. The team's lack of discipline was at times alarming. In the two losses, Florida committed 19 penalties (193 yards), including eight personal fouls, facemasks or unsportsmanlike penalties.

Five things to watch in 2013 ..

1. Year two under offensive coordinator Brent Pease..

2. Whether fans embrace Will Muschamp's program..

3. Florida's revamped offensive line..

4. Who will step in for Matt Elam..

5. The development of Loucheiz Purifoy..

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sport...,6368051.story

[GatorinNYC]

Good write up. Agree on the keys, although 1a is whether Driskel can make the 2nd yr starter leap. His inability to make progressions in the pocket and find open receivers is a big concern. 1&2 (and 1a) are all really the same IMO. Folks have bought into Muschamp, but if we have an offense that struggles to put up points because it's in his nature to be conservative, he may face some backlash.

Don't think we can underestimate the importance of replacing Elam as the leader and tone setter for the defense. I've been wondering who will fill that void. Perhaps Easley or RoPo, maybe Michael Taylor, but it has to be earned with play on the field, IMO.

[mildee]

I think Morrison will step in and be a solid leader. He lays wood and has some "swag"

[rserina]

What does "returning players...on the depth chart" mean? We return far more than ten guys from the two-deep, so the only sense I can make of it is that he means returning starters. I also don't quite understand the point about a revamped offensive line since we return three full-time starters. Maybe he has in mind the transfers or something.

[OaktownGator]

Originally Posted by rserina

What does "returning players...on the depth chart" mean? We return far more than ten guys from the two-deep, so the only sense I can make of it is that he means returning starters. I also don't quite understand the point about a revamped offensive line since we return three full-time starters. Maybe he has in mind the transfers or something.

Agree - it is bizarre wording, but must refer to returning starters.

What would be more meaningful if they want to look at depth chart, is what percentage of snaps and big plays (TDs, 1st downs, TFLs, TOs, etc) return... overall and for SEC competition.

[GatorinNYC]

Originally Posted by rserina

What does "returning players...on the depth chart" mean? We return far more than ten guys from the two-deep, so the only sense I can make of it is that he means returning starters. I also don't quite understand the point about a revamped offensive line since we return three full-time starters. Maybe he has in mind the transfers or something.

I read a revamped Oline meaning that there is an influx of talent via transfers and or 2nd yr guys that can compete for starting roles. It's not inconceivable to me that we could have 4 new starters -Harrison is set IMO - coming out of spring and fall camps. Supplanting Halapio may be a long shot but not impossible given his pass blocking woes. Moore, Garcia, Humphries, Dunker, Trenton Brown, Silberman. Getting better in the protection department has got to be a top, top priority given that we'll likely need more from our offense in 13. Brown not getting in for Spring and Silberman's injury probably make this less likely though.

[rserina]

Originally Posted by GatorinNYC

I read a revamped Oline meaning that there is an influx of talent via transfers and or 2nd yr guys that can compete for starting roles. It's not inconceivable to me that we could have 4 new starters -Harrison is set IMO - coming out of spring and fall camps. Supplanting Halapio may be a long shot but not impossible given his pass blocking woes. Moore, Garcia, Humphries, Dunker, Trenton Brown, Silberman. Getting better in the protection department has got to be a top, top priority given that we'll likely need more from our offense in 13. Brown not getting in for Spring and Silberman's injury probably make this less likely though.

I still don't see Green getting jumped. His problem has been consistent injuries, but he has real upside if he can get healthy and gain some consistency. I could easily see him at guard in 2014, though.

[rserina]

Originally Posted by OaktownGator

What would be more meaningful if they want to look at depth chart, is what percentage of snaps and big plays (TDs, 1st downs, TFLs, TOs, etc) return... overall and for SEC competition.

I agree, but the only people with the time, interest, and means to compile all that are probably sitting in the Florida SID offices right now, or in Phil Steele's Vegas lounge.

[OaktownGator]

Originally Posted by rserina

I agree, but the only people with the time, interest, and means to compile all that are probably sitting in the Florida SID offices right now, or in Phil Steele's Vegas lounge.

How do we sign up for that gig?!

[rserina]

Originally Posted by OaktownGator

How do we sign up for that gig?!

Become a female stripper?

[mulegator]

Forward focus: A look at Florida's running backs

By Robbie Andreu ~ Gainesville Sun

The Florida Gators experienced a considerable bump in Will Muschamp's second season, going from 7-6 in 2011 to 11-2 in 2012 with a berth in a BCS bowl game.

2013 Probable depth chart TB
24-Matt Jones OR
33-Mack Brown
-- Kelvin Taylor
-- Adam Lane

FB
8-Trey Burton
41-Hunter Joyer

So, what happens in Year 3?

With so many player departing through a combination of graduation, transfers and leaving early for the NFL, UF is a team in transition as it moves forward into 2013.

Over the next few weeks, The Sun will break down the Gators position-by-position to give readers an idea what to expect what what this UF team might look like in the fall.

Today: Running back.

WHO'S GONE?

Finally in an offensive scheme that fit his running style, tailback Mike Gillislee had a huge senior season, rushing for 1,152 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was the focal point of the offense and far and away the Gators' most productive offensive player. He had huge TD runs against Texas A&M, LSU and Florida State. He became the first UF back to break the 1,000-yard barrier since CIatrick Fason in 2004. So, basically, a huge chunk of the offense is leaving with Gillislee. Another tailback who was not a factor, Chris Johnson, also is gone. Buried on the depth chart, he recently made the decision to transfer.

WHO'S BACK?

Matt Jones came on strong in his true freshman season in 2012 and would appear to be the leading candidate to win the starting tailback role in the spring. He rushed for 275 yards and three touchdowns and saw his carries and production increase in the second half of the season as he became more comfortable in the offense. He's a big back with a good combination of size, speed and vision. Redshirt junior Mack Brown showed some flashes in 2012 and should see more carries in 2013. But in his career, Brown has carried the ball only 40 times for 167 yards. The Gators return their top two players at fullback — Trey Burton and Hunter Joyer. Burton is UF's most versatile offensive player. He lines up at fullback, wide receiver, slot receiver and wildcat quarterback. Most of his carries come out of the wildcat. Joyer is more of a classic old-school fullback whose blocking skills are essential in the downhill running game.

WHO'S NEXT?

Jones and Brown figure to get pushed hard in the spring by true freshman tailback Kelvin Taylor, the state's all-time leading high school rusher and the son of a former UF great, running back Fred Taylor. With so little depth at tailback, Taylor likely will get numerous touches in the spring and will have a chance to be a factor in the competition for the starting role if he can pick up the offense quickly. He's a natural runner with quick feet and excellent vision. Another true freshman, Adam Lane, will get in the mix at tailback when he arrives this summer.

SUMMARY

The Gators will enter the 2013 season with only four scholarship tailbacks (Jones, Brown, Taylor and Lane), which is not a lot in the rugged SEC. And none of the four have proven themselves yet at this level, although Jones showed flashes in the second half of last season. UF could find itself in a tailback-by-committee situation, at least early in the season. The Gators should be sound again at fullback, but depth remains a concern at the position.

STRONGER OR WEAKER IN 2013?

With the competition expected to be so close among the tailbacks, it's doubtful a dominant tailback will emerge like GIllislee did last season. Although it's seems unlikely the Gators will have a 1,000-yard rusher for the second consecutive season, the four tailbacks could combine for similar production at the position. But without a dominant tailback, you'd have to say the running back position likely will be a shade weaker in 2013.

http://www.gainesville.com/article/2...CLES/130129945

[mulegator]

Forward focus: A look at Florida's quarterbacks

By Robbie Andreu ~ Gainesville Sun

Like Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer before him, Will Muschamp's second Gator team was stronger than his first. The Gators went from 7-6 in 2011 to 11-2 in 2012 with a berth in a BCS bowl game.

Probable depth chart
6-Jeff Driskel
10-Tyler Murphy OR
17-Skyler Mornhinweg
-- Max Staver

So, what happens in Year 3?

With so many players departing through a combination of graduation, transfers and leaving early for the NFL, UF is a team in transition as it moves forward into 2013.

Over the next few weeks, we'll break down the Gators position by position to give readers an idea of what to expect and what this UF team might look like in the fall.

Who's gone?

With Jeff Driskel establishing himself as the clear starter during the 2012 season, it was obvious to most that No. 2 quarterback Jacoby Brissett probably was not going to stick around. And he hasn't. The old you're-only-one-play-away-from-being-the-starter line was not convincing enough to make Brissett stay at Florida. He recently received his release from UF and is expected to transfer to either West Virginia or North Carolina State, leaving UF with only three scholarship quarterbacks heading into the spring.

Who's back?

Driskel, who was named the starter after seeing the bulk of the playing time in the opener, had a solid and promising first season as the starter, making plays throwing and running the ball. He completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 1,646 yards and 12 touchdowns, while being intercepted only five times. He should be more comfortable and confident in his second year in coordinator Brent Pease's offense, and his passing numbers should improve dramatically along with his decision making. Driskel's backup figures to be redshirt junior Tyler Murphy, an athletic QB who has yet to throw a pass during his UF career. Murphy spent a considerable part of last season on the scout team, helping the UF defense prepare for opposing quarterbacks.

Who's next?

After redshirting last season, freshman Skyler Mornhinweg will start competing with Murphy for the No. 2 spot in the spring. The three-star prospect was a late addition to the 2012 recruiting class, backing out of a Penn State commitment to sign with the Gators. He threw for 4,192 yards and rushed for 1,243 yards during a standout high school career at Saint Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia. He is the son of former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. He picked up the offense relatively quickly during the fall and has a chance to be Driskel's backup if he has a strong spring. Entering the competition this summer will be true freshman Max Staver, a three-star prospect who has been committed to the Gators for months. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound dropback passer's only other offers are from Louisville, Mississippi State, Memphis, Northern Colorado and Tennessee State. Looking ahead to 2014, the Gators already have a commitment from one of the nation's top quarterback prospects — Will Grier from Davidson, N.C.

Summary

Driskel said at the Sugar Bowl that he expects his passing numbers to increase dramatically now that he has had a full season of experience in the offense. One key question is: Will Pease limit Driskel's designed QB runs due to the lack of proven depth at the position? Running is a big part of Driskel's game. If he gets more consistent performances out of the offensive line and at wide receiver, Driskel has a chance to have a breakout year in 2013.

Stronger or weaker in 2013?

Although depth is a concern, the position should be stronger simply because Driskel now has more experience and should be more productive, especially in the passing game. He has to stay healthy, though.

http://www.gainesville.com/article/2...c=ix?p=1&tc=pg

[NoahBeanBizzel]

Five things to watch in 2013 ..

1. Year two under offensive coordinator Brent Pease..

2. Whether fans embrace Will Muschamp's program..

3. Florida's revamped offensive line..

4. Who will step in for Matt Elam..

5. The development of Loucheiz Purifoy..
Read more: http://www.gatorcountry.com/swampgas...#ixzz2Iq6270Uj

I honestly don't pay attention to sports writers all that much these days. There are probably 30 people logged in right now who know more than most of these guys do about who/what they're covering. You can knock message boards all you want to, but the majority of the posters on these boards know more about their team(s) than the writers covering them.

Anyway, in response to the "five things to watch":

1) It might not be much better than year one, but I think it will be. More options at the skill positions, I think the line will be better, and look for Driskel to make solid improvement in his decision making between now and next fall. What we lose in Gilly will be made up for with the development of Jones, a healthy Brown, and one of the top prep running backs on their way to Gainesville.

2) Who out there is still questioning Muschamp's program? We love the guy.

3) I have a feeling that pass protection will be the most improved element of Florida's offense next fall. Don't pay attention to anybody out there who acts like Florida replacing two starters across the line is a big deal; they don't know what they're talking about.

4) Florida has plenty of options to replace Elam. Any writer who actually does their homework should know this.

5) Seriously? I guess it was too hard to elaborate on this point, so I'm guessing the writer is talking about toying with him as a receiver in Pease's offense more. Or not. Either way he's a fantastic corner.

[UGator]

I was previously naive to expect true freshmen who were great HS players to come in and be able to play day one. WRONG! It is rare and realism indicates that patience is required and time also. Dillman can change their bodies but their mental development is the time factor.

Today's offenses and defenses require time to learn and for players to react and not just think. Some freshmen can develop quicker than others, but look for 2014 before we can expect much from them. Just check out Bullard and Fowler, great players but had limited roles in '012 and should begin to blossom as sophmores.

Bama, LSU, GA, and SCe have had more time under their HC's to recruit, develop, and grow depth on their rosters. Muschamp is getting us there but we might have some missing pieces yet to acquire. All this said, it looks like 2014 could be our championship year unless we have more new players perform ahead of the curve than we could normally expect to do so.

[NoahBeanBizzel]

I can promise you that there is a good chance Taylor will not only come in and play, but also make a significant contribution. It's really not all that rare for a stud high school running back to come in and find their way into the rotation anymore. I mean, look at Georgia last year with Marshall and Gurley.

Across the line of scrimmage (particularly the offensive line and defensive tackle) it's harder to make an impact early, although once in a while a defensive end or two may be good enough to play from a given freshman class.

[SkyChimp]

Well we just found out that we are losing James Hearns as a committed linebacker. This sucks!!! That kid was phenomenal if you watch his videos. The article said he is decommitting because Florida wont wait for his academic eligibility??? Is this correct with just a couple of weeks before signing? I know we have more committed linebackers but man he's a significant loss.

http://www.alligatorarmy.com/2013/1/...all-recruiting

[c_gator24]

I think driskel will be night and day better especially with the incoming receivers and the o-line will be much better too. I can see Demarcus Robinson and Ahmad Fulwood and possibly Alvin Bailey all making plays this year.

John 14:6

[c_gator24]

And our running game will be fine. I think Matt Jones will start and be a playmaker along with Kelvin Taylor.

John 14:6

[GatorLaw]

I think Driskel's improvement depends to a large extent on improvement in the OL and WRs while continuing to have an effective running game. He can't do it by himself. E.g., it's fine if he becomes better able to look off defenders but it doesn't mean anything if he's going to the ground while doing it.

[FriendlyGator]

I don't agree that one of the things to watch is "whether fans embrace Will Muschamp's program." A 10-1 regular season, when most fans were thinking 7 wins on the low end and 9 on the high end, has pretty much got the fans on board. At least as much as is possible at a school such as Florida. If the team didn't have 5 turnovers against Georgia we would have played in the SEC Championship game.

I believe fans love the defense, love the special teams, and have learned to like the pro-style offensive philosophy even though it isn't the high powered scoring machine we saw in the glory years of Spurrier and Meyer. I know I have grown to love seeing our RB bust out for 7-8 yards on first down so that we keep those chains moving. It isn't that sexy until the fourth quarter when the other teams is demoralized and the offense takes over the game. But then it becomes very sexy.