Florida's wide receivers were virtually non-existent much of last season.
Now, even though the unit is nearly identical to what it was a year ago, expectations are significantly higher.
It wasnít a wide receiver that led UF in receptions last year, but departed running back Chris Rainey, who finished with 31. For the wideouts to replace not only his production but also improve on a disappointing 2011 performance, someone will have to step up.
Offensive coordinator Brent Pease said the Gators receivers have the ability to do so.
"There is game-changing talent," Pease said. "We have speed and guys that can stretch the field. There are some that are getting more confident that can do that naturally."
Deonte Thompson led all UF wide receivers in catches in 2011 with just 21. No other Southeastern Conference wide receiver who led his team in catches had fewer than 30, and six of them had more than 50.
Coaches are hoping Quinton Dunbar takes a step forward to try to buck that trend. Dunbar received high praise from both coaches and teammates during spring practice as a redshirt freshman in 2011, but he made just 14 catches for 216 yards and two touchdowns last fall. He caught only four passes for 34 yards in SEC games.
When asked early in fall camp who he thought the best receiver had been to that point, sophomore cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy was blunt with his response.
"Quinton Dunbar because he's fast and he can get open," Purifoy said.
During Saturday's open practice, Dunbar showed off his athletic ability with two catches of more than 40 yards on plays in which Jeff Driskel threw the ball behind him, forcing him to come back and make a leaping grab.
Pease said he would like to have six to eight wideouts he is confident in by the SEC opener at Texas A&M on Sept. 8. With the Gators returning only Dunbar, Frankie Hammond Jr., Solomon Patton and Andre Debose as receivers who caught passes in 2011, there is plenty of room for someone to emerge. Still, Pease said each has to earn his playing time.
"They create their roles and what they can do for us," he said.
Contact Josh Jurnovoy at jjurnovoy@alligator.org.
Florida wide receiver Quinton Dunbar makes a leaping catch during the teamís open practice Saturday. Dunbar caught just 14 passes in 2011.
