Front Porch FootballFlorida: 2016 Preseason Preview
By Brendan Paschal
Florida fans have a lot to be proud of after winning the SEC East last year. The Gators look to repeat their success and even win the SEC overall. However, it is not looking like history will repeat itself this season.
Preseason Preview: Florida
Record: 8-4 (5-3)
You might be asking yourself how the Gators can go from the top of the East to middle of the pack so quickly? Their offense, or lack thereof, is why. I do believe that we will see a Florida team that resembles the one that lost 27-2 against FSU last year rather than the one that put up 61 points in their home opener.
Florida’s Biggest Strengths:
Wideouts: Gator nation gave a huge sigh of relief with the announcement that sophomore Antonio Callaway is now game eligible. Callaway broke records as a freshman last season, and we can’t forget his incredible touchdown reception against Tennessee. His return gives a boost to the offense, and Lord knows they’re going to need it. Ahmad Fulwood, Brandon Powell, and C.J. Worton are all reliable receivers, and freshman Tyrie Cleveland could potentially take the top off the defense.
Defensive Line: Even with the loss of All-American DT, Jon Bullard, there is plenty of talent to fill his massive shoes. Redshirt junior Caleb Brantley is 6’2″, 300 pounds. He is lighting fast off the ball and will occupy multiple offensive linemen. This frees up defensive ends, senior Bryan Cox, and sophomore Cece Jefferson. Jefferson looks to continue his success from last year with 8.5 tackles for loss.
Secondary: Even with the loss of CB Vernon Hargreaves III, and S Keanu Neal, Florida still has three returning starters. All-SEC CB Jalen Tabor, CB Quincy Wilson, and S Marcus Maye. These guys are going to be a nightmare for any quarterback. Expect them to make some big time plays.
Biggest Concerns:
Quarterback: Without either Will Grier or Treon Harris returning, head coach, Jim McElwain, is hoping for a fresh start. It looks like third time is the charm for sophomore Luke Del Rio after spending a year at Oregon State, which he transferred to from Alabama. Del Rio is currently 1st on the depth chart with graduate transfer Austin Appleby at 2nd. Even though Appleby is bigger, faster and more experienced than Del Rio, he is sporadic. In his junior year, he threw 11 interceptions as a starter for Purdue. He then threw 8 more in the only five games he started. McElwain’s only other options are freshmen Feleipe Franks or Kyle Trask, and we all know that having a freshman quarterback normally ends poorly.
Offensive Line: I’m not saying that they are going to be as bad as they were last season. However, the boys up front will have to exceed mediocre expectations in order for the Gators to produce any offense. Having a starting quarterback that either has never started in a collegiate game, or is interception prone is bad enough – adding the best pass rushers across the nation into the equation makes a bad situation worse. Florida’s offensive line allowed 45 sacks last season. Although they have 6 experienced players they have much to prove.
Biggest Losses:
- Will Grier and Treon Harris – QB
- Jon Bullard – DT
- Vernon Heargraves III – CB
- Kevin Taylor – RB
- Antonio Morrison – LB
Impact Players:
- Jarrad Davis – LB
- Antonio Callaway – WR
- Jordan Scarlett – RB
- Jalen Tabor – CB
- Cece Jefferson – DE
Biggest Game of the Year: vs. Georgia
Both teams will have already played Tennessee, who is predicted to win the East. It is likely that Vols will have lost to either the Bulldogs or the Gators and this game could decide who reigns over the East.
