After graduating from Florida, many former Gators are continuing their career at the next level. With two weeks of the NFL’s preseason having passed, here’s a look at how former Florida players are performing.
Driskel’s wild run
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jeff Driskel was impressive against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Week 1 of the preseason.
He completed 8-of-9 passes for 97 yards and threw a touchdown in the Bengals’ 23-12 win. On top of that performance, Driskel pulled off a play made for the highlight reel.
In the third quarter, he took the ball while in shotgun formation and ran 18 yards into the end zone. Along the way, he forced two Buccaneers defenders to run into each other.
However, if Driskel is still considered the third-string quarterback, there may not be room for him on the team. He made the roster last year, but the Bengals are struggling to find room for Driskel behind Andy Dalton and AJ McCarron.
The injuries
New England Patriots running back Mike Gillislee has been dealing with a hamstring injury for a few weeks and did not play in the Patriots’ 27-23 loss to the Houston Texans.
Gillislee was brought in to replace LeGarrette Blount as an early-down and goal-line back. But his inactivity opens the door for fellow teammate Rex Burkhead to take his spot.
The Indianapolis Colts drafted cornerback Quincy Wilson with the intent of starting him right away. But after a rough start to his preseason, it might take Wilson some time to crack Indianapolis’ rotation
He came off the bench in the Colts’ preseason opener against Detroit and gave up a touchdown after taking a bad angle trying to defend the play.
To make things worse, Wilson is listed as questionable after suffering a knee injury against the Dallas Cowboys.
Both players are expected to make the roster, but they’ll need to recover first before they can see the field.
The Linebackers
Multiple former Florida linebackers are slated to make an NFL roster, some are even in line to be named a starter.
Alex Anzalone has made a name for himself with the New Orleans Saints, enough so that he is in contention for the starting job.
Against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, he recorded two solo tackles, one of which came against Melvin Gordon following a reception. Saints reporter Mike Triplett of ESPN said Anzalone’s “speed, athleticism and range” have stood out.
Another player expected to make an impact for his team and is the Lion’s Jarrad Davis.
Against the Jets on Saturday, the former Gator notched two tackles with the first-team defense.
He’s continued to prove himself during team practices as well, and come this fall, should be on the field as a middle linebacker.
Colts linebacker Antonio Morrison is also expected to make their roster despite suffering a groin injury.
Morrison had a productive 2016 campaign. He played in all 16 games, starting four of them, and combined for 52 tackles and three stuffs.
But this offseason, that groin injury has limited what he can do in the preseason. He is still expected to make the team and continue to receive playing time.
You can follow Jake Dreilinger on Twitter @DreilingerJake, and contact him at jdreilinger@alligator.org.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) runs in a touchdown during the second half of the team's preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
