Florida Gators Football: 5 Players to Watch Against Kentucky

Following the Florida Gators' first SEC victory of the season against the Tennessee Volunteers, the Gators experience their first road test against the Kentucky Wildcats.

In the game against Kentucky, the Gators have had their way with the Wildcats throughout recent memory. And heading into the weekend, the Gators are the big favorite in this matchup.

While Florida needs to be careful about overlooking Kentucky in preparation for Alabama, several of the Gator players should shine on Saturday before getting into the toughest part of the Gators' schedule.

Here are five players you want to watch if you're a Florida Gator fan.

1. Quinton Dunbar

All spring and summer, coaches were raving about the kind of player Quinton Dunbar has transformed into.

After being red-shirted last season, Dunbar made huge improvements in his game during the offseason. Unfortunately, we haven't yet seen the big plays out of Dunbar that we were supposed to expect.

I think this Saturday, Dunbar will get an opportunity to show what he can do. If the Gators expect to have success against Alabama and LSU in the next few weeks, they will have to work on their passing game.

John Brantley should be given the green light to throw some deep balls against the Wildcats, but let's hope Dunbar will be able to make plays out of them.

He has the speed to beat the defenders and has already made some impressive catches this season. This will be the game that Dunbar explodes onto the scene for the Gators.

2. Dominique Easley

It seems as if Dominique Easley will be as good as advertised.

After coming out of high school as one of the top prospects, Easley failed to make much of an impact in his freshman season.

But so many times this season, we have seen Easley in the backfield creating a nightmare for the quarterback.

Going up against weaker competition in the Kentucky offensive line, I believe Easley will be able to really show off his skill against the Wildcats.

Look for Easley to be a dominant force on the defensive line and possibly get a few sacks on the day too.

3. Caleb Sturgis

After suffering through an injury-ridden season in 2010, placekicker Caleb Sturgis was looking to reestablish himself as one of the best kickers in the SEC.

So far, so good for Sturgis. 

He is 9-for-9 already in three games, along with a long of 51 yards. 

And with the Gators' woes in the red zone continuing this season, Sturgis could see a lot of action on Saturday and throughout the rest of the season.

Thankfully, Sturgis already looks like himself, and he will have to continue to be reliable in order for the Gators to have success this season.

4. Marcus Roberson

Perhaps the most-watched player this Saturday will be freshman cornerback Marcus Roberson. 

He was involved in several of the pass interference calls against Tennessee. Not to mention, he dropped a numerous amount of interceptions.

So it will be interesting to see how such a young player responds after being the recipient of such ridicule. 

Roberson has all of the talent to be a big-time cornerback at Florida, perhaps the next Joe Haden. 

Keep an eye out on Roberson. If he struggles again this week, his starting spot could be up for grabs heading into the Alabama game.

Nevertheless, he will have to go through some growing pains in his freshman season, so fans will have to be patient with Roberson. 

5. Chris Rainey

All eyes will be on Chris Rainey this weekend as he continues to play like one of the most exciting players in college football.

He has dominated in the first three games, and it is hard to imagine that Rainey won't be any different against a weaker opponent in Kentucky.

He's a threat in the running and passing games, along with special teams. He seems to be everywhere on the field and has clearly been the Gators' best offensive player this season.

Rainey will get a lot of touches on Saturday, so he will have plenty of opportunity to prove he deserves the publicity he's receiver over the last week.

If he can put together a few big games against more SEC opponents, the Heisman hype around Rainey will get even bigger.