- Sep 8, 2014
- 487
- 1,297
ESPN has been doing a series of articles about "future" rankings of college teams based on defense/offense, as well as a standalone for QB.
Thought it might be worth discussing. Here is the high level outcome for the Gators, as well as the links.
Offense: 9 (Future Offensive Power Rankings: Clemson and then who?)
Thought it might be worth discussing. Here is the high level outcome for the Gators, as well as the links.
Offense: 9 (Future Offensive Power Rankings: Clemson and then who?)
- 9. Florida Gators
2019 future QB ranking: 16
2018 future offense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Gators: We shouldn't be surprised, but coach Dan Mullen has dramatically changed Florida's outlook on offense after only one season. Quarterback Feleipe Franks has gone from likely bust to potential star, and he has two years of eligibility left. The Gators should feature one of the SEC's best wide receiver groups, as their top five pass-catchers return, and both Trevon Grimes and Kadarius Toney have two years of eligibility. Lamical Perine will lead the rushing attack for one more year before Dameon Pierce or another back takes over. Florida also added top tight end recruit Keon Zipperer in the 2019 class. The offensive line is the immediate concern with only one returning starter, but Florida continues to recruit well with players such as Richard Gouraige and Deyavie Hammond.
- 5. Florida Gators
2018 future defense ranking: 11
Scouting the Gators: The overall outlook in Gainesville is better entering coach Dan Mullen's second year, and the defense should remain a team strength. Florida will miss pass rusher Jachai Polite, top tackler Vosean Joseph and playmaking safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, but there's plenty left over for coordinator Todd Grantham, who passed up the NFL to remain with the Gators. If Marco Wilson returns at full strength, he and CJ Henderson form one of the nation's top cornerback tandems. The front seven also features familiar names in end Jabari Zuniga (6.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss in 2018), linebacker David Reese II (126 tackles the past two seasons), tackle Adam Shuler and edge rusher Jon Greenard, who had seven sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss at Louisville in 2017 before suffering a season-ending injury on the first defensive series last year. The departure of four-star cornerback recruit Chris Steele stings, and it will be interesting to see what happens with Florida's recruiting after it signed ESPN's No. 9 class in 2019.
- 16. Florida Gators
2018 ranking: Not ranked
Returning starter: Feleipe Franks
Scouting the Gators: Few around the sport are surprised that Dan Mullen has quickly brightened the quarterback outlook in Gainesville. Franks made obvious strides under Mullen in 2018, passing for 1,019 yards more than he had the previous season and improving his touchdown-to-interception ratio from 9-8 to 24-6. The third-year junior could cover Florida at quarterback through the 2020 season. Kyle Trask provides some experience and insurance, but Mullen's work with Emory Jones, ESPN's No. 5 dual-threat quarterback and No. 59 overall player in the 2018 class, will be particularly interesting. Jones still has four years of eligibility left, as he appeared in only four games last season. Florida also added ESPN 300 prospect Jalon Jones in the 2019 class.
