Another year, another new head coach for the Gators. This one, however, has a much more proven track record. Is Dan Mullen finally the guy?
Last season, the bottom fell out for the Gators and alleged shark lover Jim McElwain. Deciding (finally) to move away from the Saban coaching tree, Florida tabbed Dan Mullen as their man. Boasting a 69-46 record at Mississippi State, the hope is the that Mullen (who coached at Florida from 2005-2008) can finally get the Gators back to prominence.
Prestige Ranking: 5
Despite a rough year last year, Florida is not far removed from winning the East for two years in a row. A historical program going through a drought, it is still hard to drop Florida down from a five.
Returning Starters: 16
Offense: 10
QB Feleipe Franks, RB Lamical Perine, WR Tyrie Cleveland, WR Josh Hammond, LT Martez Ivey, LG Brett Heggie, C T.J. McCoy, RG Fred Johnson, RT Jawaan Taylor, TE C’yontai Lewis
The biggest thing to remember about Florida is that just because you are returning starters, doesn’t mean they are good starters. Case in point: Felipe Franks. Franks was not great last season, totaling just nine touchdown passes to eight interceptions. Mullen, a noted QB guru, will be expected to bring stability to a position that has been in flux since Tebow left. Franks is no lock to be the starter, however. Fellow sophomore Kyle Trask has been getting rave reviews in practice, and is the team’s most consistent passer. Freshman Emory Jones is Mullen’s recruit, and his dual-threat ability will fit the scheme best. It would not be surprisng to see him take the reigns by the end of the year. Regardless, Mullen has to succeed at the QB position, lest he go the way of the last two coaches.
Lamical Perine was the team’s starter last season, but will likely be the number two this year. This is because Jordan Scarlett is making his return after being suspended all of last season. Scarlett has looked like one of the SEC’s better backs at times, and should hit the 1,000 yard mark this year. He will likely be leaned upon throughout the season, especially if a QB fails to emerge.
Tyrie Cleveland was easily the team’s most explosive receiver last season. With 410 yards last season, he was the leading receiver. He could raise his two touchdown catches, but that is much more on the QB play than it is him. He should be the go-to guy for whoever starts. Van Jefferson will be a very interesting player to watch. The Ole Miss transfer was granted immediate eligibility following the Hugh Freeze fiasco. The junior had 456 yards last season as the fourth receiver in a stacked offense, and this would have led Florida. So the receiving corp should be stacked. If the QB can get them the ball. That’s a large if.
The O-line returns all five starters!! And all five got pushed around last season… LT Martez Ivey is the best of the bunch, and is a man playing with boys (literally he’s 25). While Mississippi State did trot out some good O-lines, but line coach John Hevesy was much maligned by Bulldog fans. The line has the experience and talent to be very good, it will just come down to development. If they can’t improve… woof, then this offense will be rough. Again.
Defense: 6
DT Khairi Clark, DE Cece Jefferson, ILB David Reese, CB Marco Wilson, NB Chauncey Gardner-Wilson
On the D-line, Cece Jefferson returns. Jefferson led the team in sacks last season with 4.5. The hope is that in Todd Grantham’s (extremely) aggressive defense, he can become a standout pass-rusher. Khairi Clark is a senior leader and started last season. He should mostly slot in as a run stopper.
David Reese was a stabilizing piece for an erratic linebacker unit last season. He led the team with 102 tackles last season. He is not the fastest guy, but he is a key piece of the defense. Last year’s other starter inside Vosean Joseph is back, but in a battle for the starting spot. He was extremely hot and cold last season, and has been replaced by Rayshad Jackson. Grantham seems to like Jackson, letting him run with the ones in the spring.
This secondary is STACKED. Marco Wilson and CJ Henderson are arguably the best corner duo in the SEC, and they are just sophomores. They should both benefit from running such a aggressive defense, allowing them to force more turnovers. Nickel back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson had 58 tackles a season ago, and should help the backfield against the run. The safeties are young but talented,and should progress by the end of the year. 2019 could be scary if this group stays together.
Special Teams:
The Gators lose stud Kicker Eddy Pineiro and Punter Johnny Townsend. No fear though, Florida has Tommy Townsend up next to punt. Let’s hope big punts run in the family. At kicker, Mullen flipped the top kicker in the nation, Evan McPherson, from Mississippi State.
Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team Member: Lacedrick Brunson
Key Losses: Taven Bryan, Duke Dawson
Taven Bryan would have helped the run game immensley, and pulled double teams to allow Cece Jefferson to run freely off the outside. The addition of Duke Dawson to that secondary would have made it absolutely filthy.
Five Year Recruiting Rank: 15
As is the case with many struggling top-tier programs, the problem is not recruiting. As shown, Florida recruits at an extremely high clip, especially on defense. Heck, even the offense usually has good players. Where Florida has struggled is (obviously) developing a QB. Which Mullen has always been known to do. The real question is how well he can recruit Florida, given Taggart’s success and the reemergence of Miami.
Alcohol Prediction for Fans: Busch Light
Well the Gators wanted Chip Kelly originally but they had to “settle” for Dan Mullen. I have never met anyone who wanted to drink Busch Light all the time. It taste pretty bad at first, and this season could potenttaily be pretty bad for Florida. But if you drink enough Busch, and it’s not too bad. If Florida give Mullen enough time, they will love him.
Outlook
This season might not be as great as many fans hope it will. An 8-4 record is absolutely on the table, but it is not extremely likely. Games against Georgia, Mississippi State, and Florida State look like better teams at this point. Tennessee will be going all out for the game against the Gators so Pruitt can earn good will. LSU and South Carolina will be huge tests for the Gators, and if they can flip one of the two, you have to be happy with that. As I said before, you give Mullen time, and he can bring that program back.