Remove the training wheels off the first-and-second-year players, coach Dan Mullen. College coaches don't sign four-and-five-star talent to burn a hole on the bench for three or four seasons.
Players like sophomores Xzavier Henderson, Ja’Quavion Fraziars, Gervon Dexter and Derek Wingo need more playing time in 2021. They top Mullen’s recruiting list since he landed in Gainesville, according to 247Sports.
So why doesn’t Mullen take them out for a spin?
Coaches must evaluate players during spring practices, Mullen said. In fact, it’s a key task. But Mullen needs to take a chance on them. He has the weapons in his arsenal.
Mullen mentioned Fraziars’ strength Monday as a receiver who turned heads through a handful of practices. He complimented the Dunnellon pass catcher for his great ball skills, length and his physicality.
Linebackers Wingo and Hopper always look for more playing time, defensive coordinator Todd Gratham said. Hopper, he said, needs to improve his attention to detail.
“With Hopper, being able to be consistent in your play… to be exactly what you want to because he does have playmaking ability,” Grantham said. “We need to make sure that we’re consistent in that, to make sure that we're doing the things we need to do to be successful.”
Coaches plan to carve a niche for Wingo and other linebackers, he said. He’s expected to play inside linebacker.
The defense backend ranked eighth in the SEC in passing yards allowed per game (at 257.5) and 12th in passing touchdowns surrendered per game (2.3).
The Gators responded and redesigned their secondary with a much-needed overhaul this offseason. They signed one 5-star, two 4-stars and 3-stars defensive backs.
Florida reeled in the most prized catch through Miami Palmetto cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. He ranked second in his position nationwide.
Like a mirror’s reflection, Marshall Jr. will man the opposite side of the field from first-team All-SEC corner Kaiir Elam.
Safeties Corey Collier Jr. and Donovan McMillon will step in to smooth out the secondary’s makeover after the loss of three Gators’ safeties. And coaches’ chatter says a lot about the changes.
Tight end coach Tim Brewster said Marshall Jr.’s and Collier Jr.’s coverage abilities and athleticism impressed him. Their presence on defense, he said, will immediately impact performance.
Fans and critics welcome these changes as opposing offenses sliced through Florida’s defense like hot butter last season.
And to avoid recycled mistakes, Mullen needs to test his younger players to gauge if they can live up to their billing.
Contact Zachary Huber at zhuber@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @zacharyahuber
