While watching Trey Burton Gator chomp after each touchdown against Kentucky in 2010, Florida fans thought he was the second coming of Tim Tebow.
A versatile athlete with an ability to throw, Burton scored a school-record six touchdowns against the Wildcats on just 10 touches.
Three years later, consistent production has not come as easily for the junior.
After a freshman season when he led UF with 11 rushing touchdowns, Burton has lined up at quarterback, running back, tight end and wide receiver. However, he has never had a position to call home prior to this season.
Burton starred as a quarterback at Venice High.
The experience is now paying dividends for the newly appointed receiver, who caught five balls for 69 yards against Toledo.
“My quarterback coach did a really good job of teaching me I had to know everybody’s position,” Burton said.
“I basically took that from high school and brought it to college. It’s helped me out a lot and helped me get on the field a lot faster than I guess other guys.”
His experience all over the depth chart has made him a valuable asset for Florida. A matchup nightmare, Burton brings versatility to an offense predicated on pounding the football.
Will Burton go out for a pass? Will he run the ball?
Offensive coordinator Brent Pease praised Burton for his conditioning during Saturday’s muggy environment. The senior took snaps from the Wildcat position and routinely found soft spots in the back end of Toledo’s defense.
Four of his five catches on Saturday went for 10 or more yards, including a 16-yard reception on a crossing pattern for quarterback Jeff Driskel’s first completion this season.
“I really trust him to get to the right zone,” Driskel said. “The first pass play was an in-cut to Trey. He kind of slowed down and stayed in the first window. I knew he was going to be there. I put it right on him.”
All potent quarterback-receiver combos have this seemingly telepathic connection. That trust is three years in the making.
With Jordan Reed, Florida’s best receiving option last season, gone, Burton has filled the void left by the tight end.
He’s played every skill position on offense and even considered a move to defense. Burton practiced briefly at safety in 2011.
For the master of disguise, who caused the Rockets fits as to where he was, there couldn’t possibly be another role to take on? Wrong. How about coach?
As one of the veteran leaders on offense, Burton has become another coach on the field. He can help line up and direct offensive linemen and running backs alike.
“I feel like all older guys should be able to coach and help the younger guys out,” Burton said. “Because we were there at one time.”
Follow Adam Pincus on Twitter @adamDpincus.
Trey Burton jumps over two Toledo players during Florida’s 24-6 victory on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Burton led all Gators receivers with five catches for 69 yards.
