Gators Begin Post Tebow Era

The University of Florida Gators began spring practice last Wednesday, March 17.

In a word, it could be described as– COMPETITIVE. With competition comes intensity. Here’s some brief news and notes from spring practice about theoffensive side of the ball. We’ll look at the defensive side later this week.

QB
Yes, John Brantley has impressed with his passing ability. Everyone knew he fit the ‘pocket passer’ prototype, and he continues to live up to expectations– in practice at least. Brantley has demonstrated an ability to hit receivers on the run and spread the ball among all receivers.

Back-up Freshman QB Trey Burton appears to be more of a Tebow prototype. He has shown an ability to run the ball well– including tough runs for short yardage. He gives the Gators the potential to run a wildcat offensive scheme, ala Leak/Tebow. But as the only back-up, he still needs to learn how to read defenses.

RB
Gators have plenty of experienced talent at running back. Jeff Demps will sit out spring practice, as he’s concentrating on track. Moody returned for what everyone hopes will be his year, after two years of promise, ended by injury. Sophomore Mike Gillislee will push Moody for playing time. He has performed well in practice, with tough running. Chris Rainey will now split time as a RB and WR. Gators may be looking to go back to the Percy Harvin days. Especially with a Demps and Moody/Gillislee tandem in the backfield.

WR
Deonte Thompson begins attempting to fulfill expectations as the No. 1 receiver for the Gators. He sounds much happier with Brantley– he now has the ability to run more patterns, and block less. Stephen Alli, Frankie Hammond, Jr. and Solomon Patton have all done well. In terms of an air attack, the Gators should be more potent than last season.

TE
Now that Hernandez has earned the ability to play on Sunday’s, the Gators need to find a replacement. Redshirt freshman Desmond Parks injured his left wrist in a scrimmage. He posted a Facebook message, stating he will be having surgery, and will be out for the spring. Former quarterback Jordan Reed has taken reps with the first team at tight end. The Gators might have a ringer at tight end in true freshman Gerald Christian. Early reports out of practice are that he has shown some promise. He’s not only talented, but physically gifted at 6′ 3″ and 240lbs.

Offensive Line
The offensive line struggled at times last season. The Gators return 4 of 5 starters from last season. A good thing with a first year starter at QB. Mike Pouncey has moved from Guard to Center. He has some experience at the position, so things should be stable.

Outlook
The Gators have the pieces offensively to compete. Brantley will be tested as a team leader, with road games at Tennessee and Alabama. Look for Deonte Thompson to be his favorite receiver early in the season. With the young receiver core getting better every week. Don’t expect Brantley to run as much as Tebow– we’ll see more work from Demps. With Rainey splitting time at receiver and running back, expect to see more of the Gator backfield involved.

Maturity will be the big question. There are plenty of sophomores and freshmen, who’ll have to step up and play big. With Brantley running less, the offense becomes more predictable. Play calling and production from Moody and Gillislee will be crucial to keeping the offense moving on short yardage downs. Tight end is still a question as well, but Gator faithful might get a surprise in a true freshman. Any production there, with the combined underclass talent at WR, and the Gators should be competitive.

Information in this report was compiled from The Gainesville Sun, Orlando Sentinel, Miami Herald and Only Gators.