With some incredible talent leaving and more ready to step in for the 2021 season, where does that leave the Florida Gators?
Becoming a Florida fan is much like taking a marriage vow. It means sticking it out for better, for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health. Just like any marriage, the better times are a whole lot more fun.
In this series, we’re sharing our early thoughts on whether the Gators will be better or worse at each position next season. Starting on offense, we will go over what Florida lost and how it plans to replace that production.
Following a record-breaking offensive season, it is going to be difficult for the Gators to upgrade much, but there are a few spots where we think they just might.
Wide Receiver: For Better
It almost feels wrong to say that the Gators will be in better shape at wide receiver this season than last, knowing that the two most productive ones from 2021 are off to the NFL.
Florida likely won’t be able to replace the raw skills and elusiveness Kadarius Toney brought to the table. Trevon Grimes is a big blow when it comes to the red zone and 50/50 balls as well.
Despite all of that, the Gators should have more weapons at wide receiver this season.
Jacob Copeland is a long-awaited breakout candidate along with Xzavier Henderson. Before his injury, Trent Whittemore showed glimpses of incredible potential last season. Ja’Quavion Fraziars, Ja’Markis Weston and Daejon Reynolds all emerged as reliable targets this spring. Florida also returns Justin Shorter and Rick Wells as steady veteran presences.
The Gators have plenty of threats on hand who haven’t even scratched the surface of what they could be yet. Much of their success will depend on finding chemistry with a new quarterback, but if the production can match the talent, the future looks bright.
Tight End: For Worse
Of course, this one is for worse. Even if Florida had five-star talent in line to take over the position, there is essentially no way it could get better than the show Kyle Pitts put on last season.
How much “worse” things will be is dependent on the progression of Kemore Gamble and Keon Zipperer.
Florida’s young tight ends were even better than originally expected this spring. But considering it typically takes several years for tight ends to develop in Dan Mullen’s system, guys like redshirt freshman Jonathan Odom and freshmen Nick Elksnis and Gage Wilcox will likely be used sparingly.
A drop here is inevitable, but Tim Brewster remains one of the best tight ends coaches in the country, so the Gators have no need to worry yet at this position.
Offensive Line: For Worse
This one could change depending on how the Gators fare in the transfer portal this offseason, but right now, this has to be the most discouraging group on the team. Florida needs an offensive lineman or five to get this thing on track.
With the help of Stone Forsythe and Brett Heggie, the Gators were great pass blockers in 2020, but the offensive line made the run game non-existent. With Kyle Trask at quarterback, it was manageable. With Emory Jones, it could be detrimental.
Then again, a dual-threat quarterback has the ability to test defenses enough to give the offensive line a crutch in the places it struggles.
The concern is that Florida simply didn’t see enough progression from the guys who needed to step up this spring. Summer will be key for the line’s development, and to bring in much needed depth.
Running Back: For Better
The offensive line still might not open up holes for them, but the Gators certainly won’t have to worry about having enough bodies in the backfield this fall.
There is still time for someone to transfer out, but as of now, Dameon Pierce, Malik Davis, Nay’Quan Wright, Lorenzo Lingard and Demarkcus Bowman will all suit up for Florida. That means every running back from last year’s roster is back plus the addition of Bowman, who automatically makes the room better.
Unfortunately, Bowman’s injury this spring made it difficult to predict his role in the offense early on.
The Gators have a range of skills from speed to power to hands out of the backfield. Florida should look to run the ball a lot more this season, and how Mullen chooses to divvy up snaps will be a huge storyline.
Quarterback: For Worse…or better. Maybe both?
I went back and forth on this one approximately 83 times before deciding to take the easy way out. Sorry.
Kyle Trask and Emory Jones (or Anthony Richardson) are so vastly different that it is almost impossible to compare. Each brings something to the table that the other could never possibly provide.
Once again, the strengths of Florida’s offensive front play more into the skill set of Trask, but Jones’ mobility is a wrinkle that could elevate this offense in a new way. Expecting Jones to have a Heisman-worthy season in his first year as a starter is a little unfair though.
There are certain situations he will struggle in that Trask made look easy. Then again, there are times he will thrive when Trask would have taken a sack or thrown the ball away.
The transition to a new quarterback is always a little scary, but Mullen built his offense to adapt. This season will prove just how effectively it can do that.