CB Marcus Roberson
2013 SCHEDULE
8-31-13 TOLEDO
9-7-13 at Miami FL
9-21-13 TENNESSEE
9-28-13 at Kentucky
10-5-13 ARKANSAS
10-12-13 at Louisiana State
10-19-13 at Missouri
11-2-13 Georgia @Jacksonville, FL
11-9-13 VANDERBILT
11-16-13 at South Carolina
11-23-13 GEORGIA SOUTHERN
11-30-13 FLORIDA STATE
Head Coach: Will Muschamp
18-8, 2 years

2012 Statistics

2009 RESULTS: 11-2
BOWLING GREEN WON 27-14
at Texas A&M WON 20-17
at Tennessee WON 37-20
KENTUCKY WON 38-0
LOUISIANA STATE WON 14-6
at Vanderbilt WON 31-17
SOUTH CAROLINA WON 44-11
vs. Georgia LOST 9-17
MISSOURI WON 14-7
LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE WON 27-20
JACKSONVILLE STATE WON 23-0
at Florida State WON 37-26
SUGAR BOWL
Louisville LOST 23-33

2012 Final Rankings
AP-9, Coaches-10, BCS-3

 

ASST. COACHES

Off. Coordinator/QB-WR Coach: Brent Pease (2nd season)
Previous: Boise State Off. Coor./QB Coach

Def. Coordinator/LB Coach: D.J. Durkin (4th season)
Previous: Stanford DE/Sp. Teams Coach

Running Backs: Brian White (5th season)
Previous: Washington TE/Sp. Teams Coach

Receivers: Joker Phillips (1st season)
Previous: Kentucky Head Coach

Tight Ends: Derek Lewis (3rd season)
Previous: Minnesota TE Coach

Offensive Line: Tim Davis (2nd season)
Previous: Utah OL Coach

Defensive Line: Brad Lawing (1st season)
Previous: South Carolina DL Coach

Outside Linebackers/Sp. Teams: Jeff Choate (1st season)
Previous: UTEP Def. Coor.

Defensive Backs: Travaris Robinson (3rd season)
Previous: Texas Tech DB Coach

OUTLOOK

The main struggle for third year head coach Will Muschamp has been and continues to be on the offensive side. Gainesville skeptics have been hard on the new ball coach because of it. This was the SEC's worst passing offense last season and if the spring was any indication the trend doesn't seem to be improving. Quarterback Jeff Driskel has proven to be extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands at least when dissecting his ability to scramble and run for positive yardage. But he has not yet proven to be a downfield passer as evident in the atrocious stats. God help the Gators however if something happens to Jeff Driskel as the backups are miles from capable of handling SEC defenses.

The receivers have all the upside and talent in the football world but no one has remotely shown the ability to become a deep threat and stretch the field. It was tough to get a read in particular this spring with the offensive line and receivers having so few healthy bodies. The situation up front became so bad that the spring game had to be cut back to a modified scrimmage.

But have no fear Gator fans, defense is the name of the Muschamp game. Despite some massive player turnover in particular with players declaring early for the NFL Draft, recruiting continues to be wonderful in the Sunshine State which may be the understatement of the year. The front seven will be filled with new talents atop the depth chart and the experienced secondary is poised to be one of the best units in the country. The nation's fifth ranked defense isn't dropping off any time soon and will be the prime source of victories once again.

The recruiting riches continue to pour in as a large handful of true freshmen enrolled early to get a full spring under their belts. It's hard to recall the last time in Gainesville so many true freshman are being listed as potential depth chart game breakers which has nothing to do with a lack of talent that already exists on the team. It's just that the influx of high school talent is as good as it gets.

The Gators should be the favorite in almost every game they play outside of the annual Georgia game in Jacksonville and a trip to Columbia, SC. Florida is just one or two key position players and coaching decisions away from being at the top of the SEC East heap. From a player standpoint obviously the quarterback and receivers ability to raise the passing game to a new level will be key. And that all starts with coaching and play selection. Worst case scenario even if the passing game continues to be musty...the Gators are looking at another 11 win season. The defense and all its parts are just too good.


Projected 2013 record: 10-2

P Kyle Christy
FLORIDA
2012 Statistical Rankings
OFFENSE
 
National
Conf.
Rushing:
39
3
Passing:
114
14
Total Off:
103
12
Sacks Allow:
106
13
DEFENSE
 
National
Conf.
Rushing:
4
2
Passing:
17
4
Total Def:
5
2
Sacks:
42
8
RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Jeff Driskel, 156-245-4, 1646 yds., 12 TD

Rushing: Jeff Driskel, 118 att., 413 yds., 4 TD

Receiving: Quinton Dunbar, 36 rec., 383 yds., 4 TD

Scoring: Quinton Dunbar, Jeff Driskel - 4 TD, 24 pts. each

Punting: Kyle Christy, 66 punts, 45.8 avg.

Kicking: Brad Phillips, 0-1 FG, 2-2 PAT, 2 pts.

Tackles: Loucheiz Purifoy, 51 tot., 38 solo

Sacks: Dominique Easley, 4 sacks

Interceptions: Jaylen Watkins, 3 for 44 yds., 1 TD

Kickoff Returns: Andre Debose, 18 ret., 28.3 avg., 1 TD

Punt Returns: Andre Debose, 10 ret., 9.3 avg., 0 TD

 

 
FLORIDA
2013 College Football Preview
OFFENSE - 6
----RETURNING STARTERS----
DEFENSE - 4
KEY LOSSES
OFFENSE: Mike Gillislee-RB, Frankie Hammond-WR, Omarius Hines-WR, Xavier Nixon-OT, James Wilson-OG, Caleb Sturgis-K, Jacoby Brissett-QB (transferring), Jordan Reed-TE (NFL)
DEFENSE: Omar Hunter-DT, Lerentee McCray-DE, Jonathan Bostic-LB, Josh Evans-FS, De'Ante Saunders-FS, Matt Elam-SS (NFL), Sharrif Floyd-DT (NFL), Jelani Jenkins-LB (NFL)
2013 OFFENSE

    QUARTERBACK  

  • Jeff Driskel is undoubtedly the No. 1 guy behind center. His dual-threat ability is his greatest asset. However with his uncertain history of inconsistent passing ability and potential injury issues it will be interesting to see just how much Florida coaches decide to rely on his legs.
  • Driskel's pocket presence and read progressions have improved according to coaches minus a poor spring game showing, but until real passing success transcends to fall Saturdays there is still going to be plenty of skepticism. After all this was the SEC's worst rated passing offense last fall.
  • With Jacoby Brissett transferring to NC State the Gators have a massive concern if something happens to Driskel. The back up situation appears to be dire.
  • Both backups Tyler Murphy and Skyler Mornhinweg struggled mightily in the spring. Murphy gets the edge but will be way over his head if he is forced into a starting role.
  • It was no coincidence the Gators added 23-year old baseball pitcher Chris Wilkes to the roster on the same day as the spring game in hopes of securing a better back up situation. Wilkes hasn't played football since high school.

    RUNNING BACK  

  • Sophomore Matt Jones used his size and strong momentum carrying over from his freshman season to smash mouth the competition. No player on this offense did more to earn a starting role as a natural replacement for Mike Gillislee.
  • True freshman Kelvin Taylor, son of former Florida and NFL running back Fred Taylor, was an early enrollee who took full advantage of the additional spring reps. He was the feature back at the Orange & Blue Debut shining for the first time. Kelvin has a nice combination of power and vision. He rushed for 2,423 yards and 41 touchdowns as a high school senior surpassing NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith as the state of Florida's all-time leading rusher.
  • Apparently for the second straight year redshirt junior Mack Brown has been leapfrogged on the depth chart by a freshman (see Kelvin Taylor above).
  • At fullback Hunter Joyner has secured his starting spot. Joyner is crucial for success in the running game although coaches continue to tease his use as a goal line runner. Two new players from the defensive side have been moved to fullback in Gideon Ajagbe and Rhaheim Ledbetter.

    RECEIVER  

  • For the fourth straight spring Quinton Dunbar has captured the limelight as the hype machine keeps growing. The team's leading returning receiver still has yet to see his skills transfer over to all-star status during the fall. He may be the Gators only receiver who can consistently beat press coverage. With Jordan Reed gone Dunbar may become the quarterback's top option.
  • Demarcus Robinson may only be a freshman but his combination of size, speed and athleticism were evident as an early enrollee this spring before suffering a high ankle sprain. Florida's passing success could hinge on Robison's progress come fall.
  • Versatile senior Trey Burton is still playing musical chairs in regards to where he might line up. Slot, tailback, H-back or Wild-Gator QB? After catching 32 passes as a freshman, Burton hasn't come close to the same type of production. Don't expect Burton to be done taking snaps given the depth situation at quarterback.
  • Disappearing acts include Raphael Andrades who doubles with the baseball team and Andre Debose who also doubled as the team's top return specialist. Debose caught just two passes last fall and could find himself buried on the depth chart despite he tantalizing talent and speed.
  • Starting cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy is a dynamic athlete who will be a two-way player defending passes and catching passes when the Gators take the field.
  • Florida is desperately missing a deep play threat as evident in the numbers of a year ago. The highly anticipated improvement were not on display for the spring finale as Driskel never even attempted a pass longer than 15 yards until the final no-huddle drill.

    TIGHT END  

  • Don't expect the tight end position to offer much help in regards to the lagging passing numbers. Florida may be better suited to using three-to-four receiver sets and skipping this position in passing situations.
  • Replacing Jordan Reed's production looks like an impossible concept. The four primary tight ends didn't give coaches much to be excited about entering the fall and no real reason to put one at the top of the depth chart. Former defensive end Clay Burton who was used as a jumbo-package specialist last year surfaces as the best of the bunch. His blocking skills are his best attribute, catching the ball isn't.
  • Either Kent Taylor, Tevin Westbrook or Colin Thompson could see the field depending on the situation. Taylor is the most talent in the receiving category with the later two considered better blockers.

    OFFENSIVE LINE  

  • Jon Halapio is still considered the leader on this line of scrimmage. The fifth-year senior is one of Coach Muschamp's favorite players with his blue-collar approach and reliability as a run blocker.
  • The Gators received two huge transfers just in time to participate in the spring and both have earned starting spots.
  • Maryland transfer Max Garcia has become an immediate upgrade at left guard. The former left tackle dominated individual drills and scrimmages, something sorely missing in years past at this spot.
  • Nebraska transfer Tyler Moore also had a solid spring showing the coaching staff why he was the first true freshman in Cornhusker history to start at left tackle.
  • Last year's predominant starter at left tackle Chaz Green missed all of spring camp with a shoulder injury. Green is a talented tackle but has been hampered by a large array of injuries. He could regain his spot from Moore in the fall.
  • Former five-star prospect D.J. Humphries will protect Driskel's blindside. The first time starting sophomore is still on the light side at 280 pounds.
  • Injuries have wreaked havoc with this unit as evident at the Orange and Blue Debut. With only six healthy offensive linemen the spring game basically amounted to nothing more than a modified practice.

 

WR Quinton Dunbar

 

FLORIDA 2013 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
OFFENSE
QB Jeff Driskel-Jr (6-4, 236) Tyler Murphy-Jr (6-2, 206)
FB Hunter Joyer-Jr (5-10, 235) Gideon Ajagbe-Jr (6-3, 243)
RB Matt Jones-So (6-2, 226) Kelvin Taylor-Fr (5-11, 215)
Mack Brown-Jr (5-11, 213)
WR Demarcus Robinson-Fr (6-2, 201) Solomon Patton-Sr (5-9, 171)
Loucheiz Purifoy-Jr (6-1, 185)
WR Quinton Dunbar-Jr (6-1, 195) Andre Debose-Sr (5-11, 189)
Raphael Andrades-So (6-0, 190)
WR Trey Burton-Sr (6-0, 225) Latroy Pittman-So (6-0, 208)
TE Clay Burton-Jr (6-4, 253) Tevin Westbrook-Jr (6-5, 262)
OT D.J. Humphries-So (6-6, 280) Trip Thurman-So (6-5, 313)
OG Max Garcia-Jr (6-4, 307) Ian Silberman-Jr (6-5, 291)
C Jonotthan Harrison-Sr (6-3, 302) Kyle Koehne-Sr (6-5, 315)
OG Jon Halapio-Sr (6-3, 315) Kyle Koehne-Sr (6-5, 315)
OT Tyler Moore-So (6-6, 312) Chaz Green-Jr (6-5, 304)
K Brad Phillips-Sr (5-10, 191) Austin Hardin-RFr (5-10, 205)

 

2013 DEFENSE

    DEFENSIVE LINE  

  • While the experience factor isn't grand, especially at both tackle spots where Omar Hunter and Sharrif Floyd left some big shoes to fill, there is still an overwhelming cast of highly decorated prep stars through out this unit.
  • There may not be a single player that brings more excitement to the table than Buck linebacker Dante Fowler. He has dropped his weight to 263 pounds and was the most explosive pass rusher all spring. Fowler's freakish abilities make him a shooting star and will bolster Florida's feeble pass rush.
  • Defensive end Dominique Easley would start at tackle if the season started today says Coach Muschamp. With Sharrif Floyd gone the Staten Island, NY high school All-American Easley will be counted on to anchor the interior of the line.
  • One of the reasons coaches feel comfortable moving Easley inside has been the maturity of five-star prospect Jonathan Bullard at end. He led the team in quarterback hurries last fall as a frosh.
  • Bryan Cox has found a spot in the end rotation. The converted linebacker has added 25 pounds and saw extended reps this spring.
  • The former No. 1 recruit in the country at any position in 2009 according to Rivals.com (Ronald Powell) is still recovering form a torn ACL suffered in last year's spring game causing him to miss all of the 2012 season. He expects to be ready in the fall but has still not been cleared for contact.

    LINEBACKER

  • Much like the defensive line, the linebacker unit is void of a full-time starters from last season.
  • Filling in for All-SEC performer Jon Bostic in the middle will be Antonio Morrison, a nasty hitting sophomore with a propensity for knocking out ball carriers.
  • Michael Taylor was hardly heard from last fall but with some departures has found a starting spot at Will linebacker. Don't count out true freshman Daniel McMillian who was easily the most impressive of all the early enrollees this spring. The youngster can quickly and easily become an explosive playmaker when it counts.
  • At Sam linebacker Neiron Ball has pass rushing skills which could force coaches to stick with a more traditional three-linebacker set in an effort to get the best 11 guys on the field.

    DEFENSIVE BACK  

  • Marcus Roberson has the best ball skills of anyone in this talented secondary. After putting on 15 pounds this off-season the junior is primed to be more than just an All-Conference performer.
  • At the other corner Loucheiz Purifoy is a playmaker, which explains why coaches will also be using him as a receiver. His coverage can be suspect at times but his physical skills are unlimited. The only question his how many snaps this staff envisions Purifoy playing.
  • Jaylen Watkins, the most consistent cover guy in 2012 (returning interception leader), was destined for a position change in another effort to get the best 11 players on the field. There is extensive depth at corner which makes the move seem that more logical.
  • When Florida is in the oft-used nickel package spring star Brian Poole is the guy. In the spring game Poole made a habit of disrupting everything from pass coverage to sack production.
  • The nation's top rated defensive back Vernon Hargreaves among others will enroll in the fall making this group second-to-none when discussing resumes.

 

DT Dominique Easley

 

FLORIDA 2013 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
DEFENSE
DE Jonathan Bullard-So (6-3, 265) Bryant Cox-RFr (6-3, 260)
DT Dominique Easley-Sr (6-2, 283) Damien Jacobs-Sr (6-3, 286)
NT Leon Orr-Jr (6-5, 310) Darious Cummings-Jr (6-1, 309)
BUCK Dante Fowler-So (6-3, 263) Ronald Powell-Jr (6-4, 234)
SLB Neiron Ball-Jr (6-3, 235) Darrin Kitchens-Sr (6-2, 230)
MLB Antonio Morrison-So (6-1, 229) Alex Anzalone-Fr (6-3, 230)
WLB Michael Taylor-Jr (6-0, 231) Daniel McMillian-Fr (6-1, 227)
CB Marcus Roberson-Jr (6-0, 195) Vernon Hargreaves-Fr (5-11, 185)
CB Loucheiz Purifoy-Jr (6-1, 185) Brian Poole-So (5-10, 203)
SS Cody Riggs-Jr (5-9, 184) Marcus Maye-RFr (6-0, 200)
FS Jaylen Watkins-Sr (6-0, 181) Jabari Gorman-Jr (5-10, 186)
P Kyle Christy-Jr (6-3, 193) Todd Fennell-So (6-1, 179)

 

2013 SPECIAL TEAMS
  • The search to replace Caleb Sturgis, arguably one of the greatest Florida kickers of all time, has yet to yield any results.
  • Redshirt freshman Austin Hardin was expected to take over considering the team used a scholarship on him. Due to his lack of consistency and accuracy Hardin has fallen into a position battle with two walk-ons.
  • Senior walk-on Brad Phillips is the only kicker on the roster to have attempted a PAT or field goal in a game. He will be the one to push Hardin but he too has suffered with inconsistency.
  • Punter Kyle Christy represents the Gators only current All-American selection. The finalist for the Ray Guy Award given to the nation's best punter averaged 46 yards per punt in 2012, which happens to be a school record.
  • Andre Debose handled most of the kickoffs and punt returns last year. Look for premier playmaker Loucheiz Purifoy to possibly fill that role in 2013.