Fall practice is finally here and that means some real battles in camp and questions that need to be answered. I think the Florida Gators have plenty of talent and lots of options as they enter what Urban Meyer believes will be the toughest fall camp in America. Meyer knows he’s got a team that has the potential to win another national championship and it will all start with the offense.
Here are some goals that I think are reasonable for the Florida offense this fall.
Let’s begin with Tim Tebow. Yes, that’s right, the Heisman Trophy winner. He can improve, believe it or not. First he will improve in his overall awareness of the game because of experience. Let’s face it. Tebow has now had one year as a starter under his belt and that alone makes him a better quarterback. Every great quarterback at UF has gotten better every single year. He will focus on staying in the pocket and allowing his playmakers to come free, creating more big plays in the passing game. I have always said Tim is a move the chains guy, so if it’s third and five and he has an opening, he’s not afraid to run for it. The tight end combo of Cornelius Ingram and Aaron Hernandez will benefit the most from a maturing Tebow because he will see the middle of the field better. The toughest reads in football for the quarterback are those across the middle, but if Tebow remains patient this will be a deadly weapon in the Gator attack.
Another area where UF looks to improve is run blocking. I know the statistics say UF was very good at this a season ago, but the Gators would like to be better at the point of attack. UF was one of the few teams that averaged over 200 in both rushing and passing. I look for the line to be more physical than a season ago. I also believe the emphasis on developing a go-to running back is going to help the line develop into one of the best ever at UF.
Speaking of the running back position, I think UF will play the hot hand, which is to say whoever has it going on that particular day will get the football. Kestahn Moore may be the starter, but I believe Percy Harvin, Emmanuel Moody and Chris Rainey are the frontrunners for the impact carries. Any of these guys could emerge as the hottest hand. I know ball security will determine the depth chart, but if UF gives it’s running backs 30 carries a game, don’t you think these three could get 200-plus yards?
The next key in camp is spreading the wealth. UF and Dan Mullen must continue to develop receivers and backs, but also figure out how to best distribute the ball to the playmakers. Guys like Harvin, Ingram, Murphy and Rainey should command plenty of touches. You add Tebow and another receiver into the mix and Coach Mullen will have to do a good job of scripting plays.
The final goal of camp is to find a backup quarterback. The reason for this is not to make this year like 2006 with two QB’s having major roles. No, this is more as a security blanket for any possible injuries to Tim Tebow. I believe this season will be different than 2006, because UF will have more blow-out wins. This means more mop up duty for the number two quarterback.
To summarize here are the five more areas of emphasis for the Gator Offense during camp:
1. Develop Tebow’s passing in the middle of the field.
2. Improved point of attack run blocking.
3. Find the “Hot Hand” at running back.
4. Spread the wealth.
5. Develop a back-up quarterback.
I get a lot of questions about the two-minute offense and I agree it has not been spectacular for Dan Mullen at Florida. UF works very hard on it’s two-minute drill and I imagine they are re-thinking some of their two-minute philosophies. But the true test of a two-minute drill can only be replicated in live, contact football. That may come in the season somewhere before we know how improved it is. I will say this — confident midfield passing really helps the two-minute drill. With enough time most teams know your are working the sidelines, leaving the middle of the field vulnerable.
Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at brady@gatorcountry.com.