In 2012, Florida relied on a top-tier defense to carry the team into bowl season. The offense struggled and finished 104th in the country.
This year, the offense has the potential for much improvement.
Coach Will Muschamp said he hopes a new offensive style will bring some more success to the unit.
“We will do some more tempo on offense this year,” Muschamp said at Southeastern Conference Media Days on July 16. “The more opportunity you give an offense, the more chances they have to score.”
The Gators’ young offensive squad gained a year of experience, and Florida brought in eight offensive skill players. Some of the new recruits will look to make a quick impact.
UF brought in two running backs, Adam Lane and Kelvin Taylor. Taylor is expected to fill the role that expected starter Matt Jones played last year. Jones ran for 275 yards on 52 attempts while backing up then-starter Mike Gillislee.
Muschamp said he thinks Jones is primed for a big season and that he is expected to carry the offense.
“Mike Gillislee was our first thousand-yard rusher since [2004],” Muschamp said. “That’s not going to be the exception any more at Florida. That’s going to be the norm.”
But not all of the new faces working on the Gators offense will be covered with facemasks. Muschamp brought in former Kentucky head coach Joker Phillips to coach wide receivers.
“Really pleased with the addition of Joker Phillips,” Muschamp said. “(He’s) a guy who played the position, coached the position for over years.”
The receiving corps struggled last year. Tight end Jordan Reed led the team in receiving yards with 559. The top wideout, Quinton Dunbar, finished the year with 383 yards – 35th in the SEC.
But this year, Florida adds highly touted recruits Demarcus Robinson and Ahmad Fulwood. Muschamp also said defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy will play a role at receiver. Purifoy practiced at the position in the spring.
“I think it’s a good group top to bottom,” Driskel said.
“They’ve done a ton of work this offseason, and I’m looking forward to them playing … They’re tired of hearing they’re no good.”
Contact Adam Lichtenstein at alichtenstein@alligator.org.
Quinton Dunbar celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Kentucky at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Sept. 22, 2012. Dunbar was UF’s leading wide receiver in 2012.
