Florida Football: News, Notes and Updates from Camp

As the Florida Gators prepare for the opening of the 2011 college football season, a lot has been happening in camp for the young football team. Players are beginning to stand out to the coaching staff and position battles are coming down to the final stages. Here are some interesting things that have been sticking out in camp so far.

Jeff Driskel Becomes Backup Quarterback

Although John Brantley has always been considered the starting quarterback for the Gators, the backup spot was not always so clear.

But recently, reports out of camp are that Jeff Driskel has played his way into the backup role. Will Muschamp even commented on Jeff Driskel's progression throughout the summer camps in a media session earlier last week.

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"Jeff has kind of distanced himself right now to be the backup quarterback,'' Muschamp said. "He played well in the scrimmage, has good command of the offense, and again I say at this point. Charlie (Weis) and I sat Jeff down and said at this point you’ve earned this opportunity."

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Driskel, a true freshman, was one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the 2011 recruiting class and enrolled early back in January. Other quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Tyler Murphy are still vying for the third-string position, but Muschamp also noted that they are not far behind Driskel for the backup role.

Expect an interesting quarterback competition in the 2012 offseason.

Surprise Starter Named on Offensive Line

In what seemed like a big surprise, Muschamp named a new starter on the offensive line. Sophomore Kyle Koehne has now been given the starting left guard position for the Gators this season.

Heading into camp this summer, Koehne was considered the backup left tackle behind Xavier Nixon. But Muschamp said to the media that Koehne has earned the starting spot with his play so far.

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"He played really well at left tackle and our whole philosophy is get the best five out there," Muschamp said. "I think about three days ago we made a decision to move him to left guard. He's done a nice job."

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However, Muschamp did add that it would be "premature" to say this is the official starting offensive line.

So clearly, anything can happen in these last few weeks of camp.

Chris Rainey and Others Practicing in the Wildcat

Although the spread offense is no longer present at Florida, the Wildcat formation will still be seen during Gator games this season.

Last week in camp, senior running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps, along with sophomore athlete Trey Burton, have all taken snaps as the quarterback in the Wildcat formation.

In an interview with the Gainesville Sun, Rainey said he is looking forward to seeing action in the Wildcat.

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“It’s fun,” Rainey said. “I was nervous a little bit the first time, but I love it a lot. I ain’t never done it before. It’s fun, though.”

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With Charlie Weis utilizing the speed of Demps and Rainey in the Wildcat formation, it should be exciting and refreshing for Gator fans to see how they will perform under a different system and unique formations.