Dan Mullen is not the kind of coach to announce a starting quarterback in the spring. It could even be the day of the first game before official word comes from the Florida Gators’ head coach.
That trend might continue, but Mullen gave a rare early nod to redshirt junior Emory Jones in his final spring press conference on Saturday.
“I would say yes,” Mullen said when asked if Jones is the starter entering the offseason. “But I don’t think of it in terms like that. I mean, you’ve got to prepare at least two quarterbacks to be ready to go if that makes sense … Instead of, ‘Hey, Emory’s the starter, you’re the backup,’ we need two starters and then I’ve got to figure out the backup situation we’ve got.”
So, while redshirt freshman Anthony Richardson is still preparing to take the field as QB1 come September 5, Mullen is handing the team over to Jones for the summer.
As Jones continues to step into his leadership role this offseason, Mullen also wants him to perfect his body under Nick Savage. As a dual-threat quarterback, he has to be built to withstand the blows that the SEC gauntlet will bring.
“It’s about having the stability,” Mullen said. “The body stability and physical physique. It’s that body stability that means you’re physical and you’re able to stay healthy when you run the ball and when you take hits in the pocket. Do you have the size and the core strength and the body makeup that prevents injury more than getting a specific weight or size or strength.”
Once he reaches his goals physically, Mullen is confident in Jones’ ability to take over the offense.
There were times this spring that Jones appeared to be a bit shaky from an accuracy standpoint, but Mullen watched him make strides over the 15 practices.
“He really went from a guy that understands the offense to a guy that’s making his reads and working on his technique, fundamentals at the quarterback position,” he said. “At the backend of spring, if you watch his balance in the pocket throwing the football, instead of just trying to make plays, it’s him focusing on being on balance with his accuracy.”
Of course, it is not worth reading too much into Mullen’s comments. Jones was fully expected to take over that starting role after paying his dues for four years.
At the same time, should Richardson emerge as the best option in fall camp, he will get that opportunity.
It is still worth noting that Jones must have done enough to impress Mullen this spring for him to even give the insight he did.