Jeff Driskel’s role on Florida’s offense changed in the blink of an eye.
One day, the redshirt junior was the starting quarterback, the leader of the Gators’ attacking force.
Then, with less than six minutes left in the third quarter of Florida’s 42-13 loss to Missouri on Oct. 18, he was on the bench in favor of true freshman Treon Harris.
Since that day, Harris has led Florida’s offense to two straight wins against then-No. 11 Georgia and Vanderbilt.
Driskel knows his role on the team, and he admits the transition hasn’t been smooth.
But while his role has changed, his preparation for Saturdays has not.
"It’s been tough," Driskel said. "I’m not going to say it hasn’t been difficult. But at the end of the day I’m still doing what I’ve always done. I’m still preparing to be ready to go in and make plays if my number gets called. That’s what I owe this team."
Driskel’s number was called on Saturday during the Gators’ 34-10 win against the Commodores.
The former starter was used in a wildcat-type package on five occasions during the win in Nashville, Tennessee, accruing 10 rushing yards on four attempts and an incompletion.
On his third rushing attempt of the night, Driskel put the Gators in the lead for good with a 1-yard rushing touchdown with 8:38 remaining in the first half.
"I knew when it was short-yardage stuff, have my helmet ready," Driskel said.
Driskel is embracing his role change from starter to mentor.
He knows the skill Harris possesses, but he still feels he can help the freshman become even better.
"In practice, there’s some things where sometimes we’re not all set or not on the same page," Driskel said. "Just some simple communication things, especially in practice when we have two-minute offense going. There’s some situations he hasn’t been in as often as I have. There’s just little tips. I’m not going out of my way to try to take over or anything like this. It’s just simple tips and reminders on the practice field and on the sideline."
Driskel is ready for his new role.
But he’s still preparing like he always has.
"At the end of the day it’s a team sport and everybody has to contribute and do their part," Driskel said. "If mine’s the backup and not getting any plays at all I want to be ready in case Treon goes down. If it’s being in a Wildcat type role, I want to be ready and able to run the ball and understand the blocking schemes and the defense we’re going to get."
Follow Jordan McPherson on Twitter @J_McPherson1126
Jeff Driskel warms up prior to Florida's 34-10 win against Vanderbilt on Saturday.
