Chompin' at the Bit - Vol. 1

Florida Gators Football 2016 Season Preview

By: Blair McLendon 

The Swamp 

Football season is almost here, my friends! The chit-chat amongst fans about this year's team and win potential, trash-talk between rival players and fans, and the absurd media pre-season predictions are all brewing right now as you read this. I am smiling from ear-to-ear and my excitement is starting to rise as I write this. First off, I would like to thank Athlete Talk for the opportunity to be the beat writer for the University of Florida, the school I love and adore. I apologize in advance for this being a lengthy read. With it being a Season Preview, I wanted to give you all some thorough information. It's worth it though! Trust me, each post will not be this long so please bear with me. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you that I'm not your average "fan" and cannot wait for the season to start!

I feel like this will be the first time we have seen a real offense that is a threat to score since 2009, which was Tebow & Co.'s last year. The offense's success falls upon the shoulders of quarterback play and the maturity/cohesiveness of the offensive line. It doesn't take a football expert to see that the last 6 years of quarterback play have been atrocious and arguably the worst in the program's rich history. Florida's most recent fall from grace has been very humbling as a fan. Losing sucks... As someone who takes losses personal, these last 6 years have been detrimental to my health. Needless to say, I am ready for better Saturdays.

This is the first time that I think my preseason optimism will be rewarded in a long time. Those cautiously optimistic years where I "thought" we may have a chance, but deep down knew we were trash are hopefully a thing of the past. Coach Mac is doing a tremendous job of getting the program back to the elite level that we grew accustomed to. I honestly can't say enough about the staff that he assembled and the way he has turned around the culture and attitude within the program. THIS feels like a championship caliber team just from attitude, camaraderie, and hunger alone. The only bad look for us this offseason is having a couple of freshmen receivers getting arrested before fall camp even started. Guys, get your acts together. You have the opportunity of a lifetime right in front of you, so please don't let it go to waste. Make the Gator Nation proud on and off the field.

It is also very nice to have Coach Spurrier back in the program. Having him back will pay huge dividends for us in the short and long-term in more ways than you can ever imagine. From booster relations to the wisdom he can spread to our coaches and players. Not to mention those few "consulting tips" he could give us for the passing game. We are well overdue for a breakout year where we see a competent offense that resembles the electric offenses we saw in The Swamp during the Spurrier and Urban eras. The Fun 'N Gun 2.0, with a heavy dose of an explosive running game could be closer than you think... Let's hope so!

Offensive Breakdown

Projected Starter, QB Luke Del Rio

Quarterback - By far the most important position, which will also determine the ceiling for this team (or basement in years' past). Luke Del Rio is the assumed starter and is the most comfortable with running our playbook. He excelled in the spring game, going a crisp 10/11 for 176 yards with 2 scores. The offense played decent under the departed Will Grier last year, but I believe Del Rio will have the offense moving better than we have seen in a long time. Behind him we have the grad-transfer Austin Appleby and freshmen Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask. Each of whom is a better option than what we have had in the last few seasons, so I can assure you that there shouldn't be as many tears shed this year.

Running Back - Probably my favorite position group on the team. I don't think it is a stretch to say this could be the most talented backfield at UF since the mid-90s. It will be exciting to see what the three headed monster of Jordan Cronkrite, Mark Thompson, and Jordan Scarlett will be able to do, as each have their own unique running style.  My favorite, and most overlooked out of the group, would be Scarlett. He was the best back in the country in his recruiting class in my opinion. The kid is a stud and just needs to get carries. The JC transfer, Mark Thompson, is also another intriguing weapon. With his size and speed (6'2" 242 lbs; sub 4.4 - 40), he is going to be a handful to stop. The only concern I have with this group is ball security. If they can keep the ball off the ground, watch out.

WR Antonio Callaway

Wide Receiver - The position group with the most unknowns. I think this will be a group that exceeds expectations and really makes some plays. Yes, that is with the addition of those freshmen studs we added to the squad this year. Tyrie Cleveland, Freddie Swain, Hot Sauce Hammond, or Rick Wells... pick your poison. The Gators should also have Mr. Callaway back in the fold after his offseason suspension. We all know what he brought to the table last year as a freshman and he will only continue to get better. If they can stay focused and out of trouble, they could be dangerous with an improved passing game.

Tight End - I love this group! C'yontai Lewis and DeAndre Goolsby have the potential to be All-SEC players. If they can stay healthy, expect huge things from these guys in the receiving game.

Offensive Line - The second most important group on the team who holds the other key to a hit or miss season for the Gators. This group should be much improved from last year. Overall, they are a very young group and will continue to get better as they gain experience. David Sharpe and Martez Ivey will be the anchors of a well-coached group under the guidance of Coach Summers. If they can create some decent running lanes for our talented backfield and give us some time to throw, we may see that score board start to light up again like the good ol' days.

Defensive Breakdown

I am expecting the defense to be dominant like always. I love the leadership that we return in seniors Bryan Cox, Marcus Maye, and Jarrad Davis. The defensive starters need to stay healthy for us, as we are thin in experience at some position groups. If healthy, this will be one of the best defenses in the country.

Defensive End - This is a position group that I really like. Returning is CeCe Jefferson who burst on the scene as a freshman last year, backing up his case as a 5 star recruit out of High School. I am expecting a big year from CeCe as he continues to develop. The underrated Bryan Cox Jr. is also one of the key returners. He has progressively gotten better each year and I think he will be a force on the line this season. I want you all to remember the names Antonneous Clayton, Jabari Zuniga, and Keivonnis Davis. All three have incredible potential and will help this be one of the stronger units we have seen. Don't forget about Jordan Sherit either...

Defensive Tackle - Defensive tackle will be interesting to watch this season. Returning is the dominant Caleb Brantley, who has stated that he is the best lineman in the country. That statement speaks volumes of the confidence he has in himself and I am hoping that he backs that talk up with his play. If he does, opposing offenses are in for a long day when they see us. Others to watch out for will be Joey Ivie (who always plays hard), Khairi Clark, and Taven Bryan. Bryan is an interesting player for us; I believe he and CeCe will play a mix of DE and DT for us, which will be a huge asset to our defense because of their explosiveness and versatility. The key to our defense being good and being elite will be if this unit can hold up against the run-heavy SEC. Penetration is vital. I'm only going to drop the names Fournette and Chubb and leave it at that.

LB Jarrad Davis and DE Bryan Cox Jr.

Linebacker - This is another very vital piece to this team's success. Key returners include All-American Jarrad Davis and Alex Anzalone. If Anzalone can stay healthy, he could actually be the more dominant of the two. He is a very smart, versatile linebacker who has not been able to stay on the field due to health issues. If Daniel McMillan and Matt Rolin step up and play to their potential, this group will be scary. Again, they need to do a good job of helping shut down the run game. If they do that, I think there will be a lot of happy faces at the end of the year.

Defensive Back - The group with the most swagger in the country and also known as DBU... My favorite player on the team, Jalen Tabor, and the super underrated Quincy Wilson will be back and both are coming in with a mindset that they are the best in the country. Not to mention, you also have All-American Marcus Maye returning to hold down one of the safety spots. I believe that Duke Dawson will be one of the most improved players in the secondary and you will start to see him come into his own. He and highly touted freshman Chauncey Gardner could be two names you hear a lot this fall, as both will be expected to help solidify the group's claim as DBU.

Special Teams Breakdown

Kicker - God is good! We finally have a kicker that can actually make a field goal. Not only can Eddy Pineiro make the chip shots, but he can drill them from 50+ yards away as well. As soon as the offense crosses the 50 yard line this year,  expect him to start warming that cannon of a leg up.

Punter - We are fortunate to have one of the best in the country in Johnny Townsend. His ability to flip the field and pin offenses deep is a dangerous weapon to have. Expect an All-American caliber season from him. Can we get a Ray Guy Award for him, please?

Kick Return/Punt Return - Antonio Callaway proved to be a game-changer at returner last year so he should be the man, right? At the same time, I don't want to risk injury to our best receiver. A couple of those freshmen receivers, Chauncey Gardner, Dre Massey, or McAuthur Burnett could all be viable options too. I just want whoever it is to be a consistent threat to take it to the crib.

My Sleepers

RB Jordan Scarlett

• Offense - QB Luke Del Rio, RB Jordan Scarlett, WR Josh Hammond
• Defense - CB Quincy Wilson, DB Duke Dawson, DE Bryan Cox Jr.  

My Season Prediction: 10+ wins and a trip back to ATL (Optimistically, maybe a 'chip? It's possible)


Thank you all for reading the first of many "Chompin' at the Bit" posts! I hope you all enjoyed it and will continue to follow me. Please leave your comments and thoughts about the upcoming season. Let's hope that we can have a party in Atlanta to end the season as SEC Champs. Go Gators!

-B