Recruiting: The Future of Florida's Quarterback Position is Bright
The Florida Gators have long since possessed one of college football’s greatest quarterback traditions. Florida fans know the names: Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel, Rex Grossman, and of course Tim Tebow, just to name four standouts. What about the Gators roster now and the next four to five years? Will there be another Gators all-time great on the horizon?
With current redshirt juniors Kyle Trask and Felipe Franks both being just one year away from completing their eligibility, here’s a look towards Florida’s quarterback future.
First off, let’s examine the understudy that’s a great fit for Florida head coach Dan Mullen’s system. The name to know is Emory Jones, the redshirt freshman out of LaGrange, GA (Heard County). At 6-2, 200-pounds, Jones still has room to grow. While he’s gaining ground on reaching his physical peak, he is also improving on the fundamentals of being a signal-caller, especially putting the ball where a receiver can catch it.
What many people fail to give Jones credit for would be his accuracy. Not only does the Georgia native place some RPMs on the football, he can place the football where it needs to go. Jones is 17 for 28 on the year for 125 yards, as well as two touchdowns, including one in Tiger Stadium. Jones’ mobility makes him a weapon.
He’s capable of playing wide receiver for a major college program, yet he’s taking snaps for the Gators. That’s the definition of a coach Mullen quarterback. It’s only a matter of time before Jones starts making defenders miss as the main man in Gainesville. Jones may not be quite ready to take the helm, but he’s close.
Another year in the weight room and study time with the Florida offensive staff, and Jones should be capable of being Florida’s full-time starting quarterback. Still, he’s learning. Further, the Gators need depth. That leads to the class of 2020 recruit Anthony Richardson.
The Gainesville, FL (Eastside) product already has the physical size at 6-4, 225-pounds to play Division I Football. Based on his high school film, he can also throw bullets. Without question, Richardson can absolutely throw it on a line. That’s something that cannot be taught. Here’s the bonus.
When he throws the football, Richardson still doesn’t consistently rotate his hips to generate anything close to his maximum velocity. He’s learning. Give coach Mullen this kid for one, maybe two full years of spring practice, and Richardson will be a player that every other SEC school dreads. The extra special trait for Richardson derives from his running ability, as well as his overall athleticism.
Richardson absolutely breaks the mold as a big-bodied quarterback. He runs over defenders, as well as jukes them out of their shorts. One of the rare players that defensive coordinators most likely prefer to keep in the pocket, when Richardson breaks containment, he can accelerate in an instant and score all by himself. He’s truly a special talent. Combining Jones with Richardson, two great fits for the Gators future. Now, one more player to discuss.
The final quarterback to evaluate would be Carlos Del Rio, 6-3, 200-pounds, Powder Springs, GA (McEachern). Playing at one of the best programs in Georgia against elite competition, Del Rio displays excellent traits.
The first thing to notice is toughness. To play in coach Mullen’s system, a quarterback must not only stand in the pocket and deliver the football with a hard-charging 320-pound SEC defensive tackle staring him down, but he must be able to gain the tough yards with the read option and quarterback-designed running plays. Del Rio provides the athleticism to run the ball. He’s not on Richardson’s level as a sheer athlete, but he’s quick and tough as nails when faced with a bevy of defenders. His arm strength also leads to good signs.
The best way to describe Del Rio’s arm strength stems from his ability to throw the out route. A long and quite dangerous pass, Del Rio throws the out pattern very well. Keep in mind, he is only a high school junior. This is a very good sign. Maturity and technique will also help him.
Del Rio needs quite a bit of improvement with his footwork. That’s common for a high school player. In all actuality, it’s a bonus. It shows that he’s capable of being accurate despite not always using good fundamentals. Gator fans will probably see a totally different Del Rio by the time the 2020 season rolls around. This young man could be yet another dynamite quarterback for the Gators.
Just like with any young college player, Del Rio will probably need a few years to master the playbook and physically mature. No doubt he will be yet another threat for the Gators when it becomes time for him to take the reins.
With Jones, Richardson and Del Rio on the horizon, the Gator tradition of outstanding quarterbacks is in good hands for the foreseeable future.