Toney Time: Freshman Kadarius Toney on cusp of bigger role

Freshman playmaker Kadarius Toney got fans excited about his potential role with some electrifying moves in the victory over Tennessee. (Photo: Jay Metz/UAA Communications)

Toney Time: Freshman Kadarius Toney on cusp of bigger role

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 | Football, Scott Carter

The former prep quarterback has moved to receiver and has an array of moves once he gets the ball in his hands.

By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- A human joystick.

That is the way Gators coach Jim McElwain described freshman playmaker Kadarius Toney following Saturday's 26-20 win over Tennessee.

"He's an electric guy, man,'' said McElwain.

The UF offense needs all the juice it can get and Toney showed he is ready to contribute during his fan-favorite performance against the Vols. Prior to Feleipe Franks' game-winning touchdown pass to Tyrie Cleveland as the clock expired, Toney earned the biggest cheers Saturday each time he touched the ball.

His first reception of the game, a 19-yard catch-and-run in the second quarter, brought those at Florida Field to their feet as Toney dashed and darted up the field, juking would-be tacklers with disco-like moves. He finished with four receptions for 40 yards and one carry for five yards. The additional work – Toney caught two passes for 27 yards late in the season-opening loss to Michigan – has fans excited about his potential.

Teammates, too.

"Kadarius Toney is a great weapon,'' sophomore offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor said. "He's helping the offense a lot by transitioning from quarterback to receiver."

True Freshman Stud Alert: Kadarius Toney ?????? #Gators pic.twitter.com/56llJJ7Jxz
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) September 16, 2017

A true freshman from Eight Mile, Ala., Toney is an early enrollee who joined the program in January. He was a standout quarterback in high school and spent time at the position in the spring with the Gators.

However, with five scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, Toney moved to receiver in fall camp as McElwain searched for ways to get him involved in the offense. The plan is for Toney to get more and more touches as the season goes on.

"I think in his case, learning a new position, you overload guys and then they paralyze themselves,'' McElwain said of expanding Toney's role. "So we do it bit by bit. What's helped him actually is playing the quarterback position, because understanding is where all that comes from has been good for him; the technical aspect of [playing receiver], because he's never been able to see it. As he does that, that part keeps coming."

Sophomore linebacker David Reese recalls the exact moment he knew Toney could contribute immediately. It happened during a scrimmage in spring camp. Toney caught a crossing pass and Reese prepared to deliver a hit. The hit never came.

"I'll never forget it,'' Reese said. "I didn't think he seen me, so I'm coming with a full head of steam. He like stopped on a dime and ducked his head like he did in the [Tennessee] game. That's when he got me."

Where did Reese end up on the play?

"Oh, on the ground,'' he said. "He's so shaky. As you can see, he's like a little joystick out there. He's slippery. People slip and slide on the field. He brings excitement to the game. I know when he gets the ball it's just a nail-biter every time."

In his Florida debut in April's Orange & Blue Game, Toney finished 3 of 5 for 24 yards passing and rushed for a game-leading 74 yards on five attempts. He flashed similar moves as to those on Saturday on national television.

As Reese said, Toney brings excitement.

"I knew right then he was going to be a big part of our offense, whatever position he plays,'' added Cleveland. "I feel like he's coming along very fast and being able to come in to the wide receiver room and make plays and helps us out has been good."

Senior receiver Brandon Powell smiled wide when asked about Toney's performance after Saturday's game. He's seen those moves many times in practice.

Finally, everyone else got a glimpse of Toney's dynamic moves in the open field.

"They couldn't tackle him at all,'' Powell said. "That's what he always does."