Redshirt freshman Will Grier will earn his second consecutive start when the Florida Gators travel to Lexington, Kentucky to take on the Kentucky Wildcats this Saturday in their Southeastern Conference opener.
In his first career start last week against East Carolina, Grier completed 10-of-17 pass attempts for 151 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Coming off of the bench in the season opener against New Mexico State Grier completed 16-of-18 passing attempts for 166 yards and two touchdowns.
Head coach Jim McElwain said on Wednesday that both quarterbacks would play this week against Kentucky but he did, finally, say that he would like to be able to stick with one quarterback if they have the hot hand.
McElwain is looking for more consistency out of his quarterbacks. He liked how Grier led the offense in a two minute drive against New Mexico State but has also lamented about some accuracy issues Grier had in his first drive of the game and of the second half against ECU. Treon Harris — who started the season opener — has struggled with his decision making in the red zone, something McElwain wants to see the sophomore clean up.
“I don’t think we opened fast at all with either guy,” said McElwain. “I think Will closed the first game with that two-minute drive, I thought, pretty well. I thought Treon opened up a little better when he got in the second half maybe than Will did. You saw those couple throws that we had early in that East Carolina game right off the bat.”
This will be Grier’s first conference game, first start on the road and his first start against an SEC opponent.
I know that Mac is saying that there is no animosity and that these two guys are handling this professionallay. But as a former college football player I’ve seen similar situations weigh heavy on a player mentally when they have to go though stuff like this. We were coached to keep negative matters and behind the scene stuff out of the media. Take Treon for example, he just wants to play QB but it just so happens that he doesn’t fit into the scheme that Mac brought to town. Not really his fault, but he’s not going to tell the media and will be forced to keep all of his frustrations inside. He’s used to winning and being a stater, this battle has got to be frustrating. If he doesn’t earn the position, I don’t see him sticking around after already burning a year of eligibility. He may end up where he originally committed if this does not work out (FSU).
I think that’s kind of expected. The loser of the QB battle will transfer. The coaches are trying to give Will every opportunity to win the job. He’s clearly more gifted as a passer and doesn’t panic unlike Driskel. Will’s ceiling is just higher. With Treon I think we already know what we’re going to get….few mistakes and ability to extend plays with his feet. But he s never going to wow anyone with his vertical passing game. Which is fine, he’s a safe choice. But Grier is the future.
Lets get real about this QB issue. Treon Harris is not going to be or have a chance to play that position in the NFL. Try to keep him happy and develop him at a different position to get him on the field. He is on heck of a football player and deserves to have package for him at QB, RB, WR, Slot Receiver, Wildcat, anyway to get the ball in his hands. Will Grier has an NFL arm and ability to develop into that if he is taught how to get better every day at the college level. If the coaches keep doing the same thing they are doing they will never develop either on of them for any position.
That’s just it, Treon’s always been a QB from Pee Wee to now. He’s not like Braxton Miller who’s played other positions so his switch was easier than most anticipated. Playing another position would be foreign and it’s far too late to try switch his mindset. I just think its a rough deal for a very talented athlete.
ScooterP as a former Collegiate QB, I beg to differ with your a part of your comment. WG has good arm talent but it isn’t near NFL ready. He’s missed a couple of easy deep throws that Treon hit as a true freshman ly against better comp. Treon actually put us in a few situations ly to be winners (i.e SC and FSU) but as a team we could not close the deal. You’re correct in WG being the future, but I believe Treon, given his experience gives us the best shot to win now.
I think they’re both good and both can play well in Mac’s offense. We’ll see what happens Saturday. Grier appears to be our best option some day in the distant NFL future. But he has a long, long way to go. And, Treon would be good doing what the ohio state guy is doing, unless, of course he ends up our QB. Treon has options to contribute. Grier has to win the QB spot to play…just my 2 cents…Go Gators.
This will be interesting. Personally I like Grier but as far as winning right now, I like Treon. Grier has yet to prove if he is ready for SEC play. I would start Treon and if he starts throwing bad passes ect then bring Grier in. I feel like if we pull Grier for a poor performance that would hurt his confidence tremendously. What the heck though GO GATORS GO COACH MAC!!!