When the Florida Gators announced the three players who were going to attend Southeastern Conference Media Days, there were some people confused to as why Brandon Powell was chosen.
Powell, who switched from running back to wide receiver during the offseason, was not a meaningful contributor for the Gators last season.
Why would coach Jim McElwain choose an unheralded sophomore with just 16 carries for 70 yards, 15 receptions for 147 yards and two total touchdowns?
Powell admitted to never playing wide receiver in his life, and he was unable to display his skill set throughout the Spring, but that didn’t seem to matter.
It was clear that McElwain sees something in the Deerfield Beach native.
"He’s one of those guys that has proven that he can effect our team in a lot of ways in the way that our team looks at him a little bit," McElwain said on Monday at SEC Media Days.
"He’s a quiet leader and a guy that works his tail off."
While the quarterback battle is a major storyline, and there are people who will think either Treon Harris or Will Grier will be the key to an offensive turnaround, that won’t be the case.
It’s going to be Powell who will be the catalyst for the offense.
If Powell can live up to the expectations the coaching staff has for him, he’s going to make it a lot easier for whoever wins the the quarterback job.
And he’ll take pressure off receiver Demarcus Robinson, who will often draw double coverage.
There are other players on the offense who are probably better than Powell, but none of them are as versatile as the sophomore.
"His experience (as) a running back and his ability to go out in space is something that we’ll be able to do some things where we shift him back in the backfield … and take a handoff," McElwain said.
"He can even protect where needed in the quick game. … The flexibility is something we’re looking for."
Powell is in the best position to emerge as the Gators’ breakout player this season. He’s already drawn the attention of Florida’s secondary.
Just ask Vernon Hargreaves III.
"The DB’s, we pick on him the most because he’s one of the best," Hargreaves said. "Everybody wants to go (against) him and I’m excited to see what he can do. … He’s a great athlete, he can really do anything.
"You have to deal with him. You have to understand where he’s at on the field, or he can hurt you."
For Powell, he’s going to have to embrace the role McElwain and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier have given him.
Being the guy who can change the game with a single handoff or catching a pass and using his speed and explosiveness in space from the slot position.
He’s well aware of what he brings to the team.
"Just one of those scat guys in the slot that can get open and make plays. That’s what I think I bring to the table," Powell said.
Given he’s already missed time with injuries, staying healthy will be Powell’s priority this year.
There aren’t many aspects of Florida’s offense to get excited about.
The quarterback position is still up for grabs and the offensive line is full of question marks and unproven talent.
If Powell can be anything close to what McElwain thinks he can be, then he could fuel the offense and the Gators may contend in the SEC East.
