Eds. Note — With practice set to get underway next month, we here at alligatorSports are going to preview five of the biggest issues facing the Gators and new coach Will Muschamp in 2011.
The new-look Florida football team is littered with question marks.
There are issues on both the offensive and defensive lines. The linebackers — apart from redshirt sophomore Jelani Jenkins — have little on-field experience. The secondary will be without vocal leader Ahmad Black and All-American Janoris Jenkins.
And, of course, there’s that whole John Brantley thing.
But before dissecting the signal caller situation, we must first take a look at the skill position players on offense — the playmakers.
The receiver position is a mixed bag of talent originally recruited to play the spread, and if Brantley is going to succeed, he will need some serious help from some unproven sources.
Redshirt juniors Omarius Hines and Frankie Hammond Jr. occupied the top spots on the depth chart Muschamp handed out during spring practice, but nothing is set in stone in the new scheme under offensive coordinator Charlie Weis.
As it stands, the receiving corp lacks a legitimate weapon.
Redshirt senior Deonte Thompson led the Gators in most receiving categories last season, racking up 38 receptions for 570 yards.
But he had only one touchdown reception and struggled with dropped balls at times.
Hines (20 catches, 281 yards) and Hammond (22 catches, 276 yards) showed spurts of promise but lacked consistency.
Redshirt sophomore Andre Debose was touted as the next Percy Harvin, but he has struggled with injuries and getting on the field. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound receiver was impressive on special teams, returning two kickoffs for touchdowns last season, but his role on offense is undefined and his ability to contribute is unproven.
Four-star recruits Chris Dunkley and Javares McRoy were supposed to add depth, but both receivers transferred, depleting the reservoir even further.
The name to watch is Quinton Dunbar.
After missing most of 2010 with a nagging hamstring injury, Dunbar started spring practice at the bottom of the ranks.
But with his ability to stretch the field, the 6-foot-1 pass-catcher started the Orange and Blue Debut and reaped praise from Muschamp and his fellow receivers.
“Weis is always messing with me because when I first started I was probably seventh on the depth chart,” Dunbar said after being targeted on the game’s first play.
“Each and every day, I came out and made plays, and I gradually made my way to the top.”
While Brantley appears to be entrenched at quarterback, the running back position appears to be facing a similar fate as the receivers.
Chris Rainey claims to be a new man, refreshed from time spent on the sidelines. From all accounts, Rainey had an excellent spring. And while Jeff Demps returns after missing spring practice running with the track and field team, neither fits the mold of the pro-style back Weis likes to employ.
Sophomore Mack Brown and junior Mike Gillislee were both banged up in the spring, but they best feature the attributes desired in a one- or two-back offense.
Freshman tight end A.C. Leonard is another name to watch.
With uncertainties abound, it’s clear there are more questions than answers surrounding UF’s playmakers heading into this season.
But one thing is undeniable, Brantley and the offense can’t succeed unless some unknowns step into the spotlight.
Although Florida has an abundance of highly touted recruits, the offense lacks a consistent playmaker. Deonte Thompson (right) was UF’s leading receiver last season but lost his starting job in the spring.
