Will Muschamp always wears his realistic glasses.
After using that phrase following Florida’s win against Texas A&M to explain the development of UF’s run-based attack, Muschamp said the same treatment should’ve been applied to tight end Jordan Reed last season.
Although the former quarterback caught 28 passes in his first season at tight end, he missed two games with a hamstring injury. Now he is Florida’s leading receiver.
“I know we all think that because Rivals put 48 stars by their name, ‘OK, so they’re supposed to just be an outstanding football player the moment they walk on campus,’” Muschamp said.
“It takes a process to become a good player, and just because you’re a great athlete doesn’t mean you’re going to be a really good football player. Sometimes it takes time.”
After the first two games of 2012, Reed appears to have figured out his position. He leads all receivers with eight receptions and 92 yards.
Quarterback Jeff Driskel said he enjoys having a 6-foot-3 tight end with explosive speed and elusive ability.
Reed turned a crossing route in the second quarter into a 30-yard gain — Florida’s second-longest pass play against the Aggies.
“He’s definitely a matchup problem if they have to bring down linebackers or safeties on him,” Driskel said. “I’ll take him one-on-one with anybody. He’s definitely a guy we want to get the ball in his hands.”
After dealing with drops last season, Reed has caught every ball thrown his way.
Since arriving in Gainesville in 2009 as a four-star dual-threat quarterback from New London, Conn., Reed has tried to become a better blocker by improving his strength and toughness.
“This is his second year of playing the tight end position,” Muschamp said. “The natural process is your first year, you do however you do, and then you improve a little bit or a lot based on your dedication in the offseason. He worked extremely hard and had a great offseason for us.”
Reed headlines a tight end group that includes freshman Kent Taylor, who didn’t travel to College Station, Texas, due to an undisclosed injury. Coaches expect him to play against Tennessee on Saturday.
Tevin Westbrook, Omarius Hines and Clay and Trey Burton all have seen time at the position.
Trey Burton has caught four passes for 28 yard, while Hines has two catches for 46 yards.
“Our tight ends are always going to be involved,” offensive coordinator Brent Pease said last week. “They create matchups, especially with Jordan on people. I think he can win consistently on.”
Reed causes problems for defenses and is the most consistent contributor among tight ends, Muschamp said.
Pease, who wasn’t happy with the number of touches Reed received in Week 1, was pleased with the junior’s performance against the Aggies.
“He’s learning,” Pease said. “He’s doing a great job in the run game. … He’s coming along, you know. He provides a big opportunity for us to be able to put him in a lot of spots.”
Contact Adam Pincus at apincus@alligator.org.
Tight end Jordan Reed (11) breaks a tackle during UF's 27-14 win against Bowling Green University on Sept. 1 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
