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Gators freshman QB Jeff Driskel moves up depth chart; Muschamp turns up heat at practice
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 | Men's Basketball, Football, Scott Carter
Gators coach Will Muschamp met with the media earlier following the Gators' first practice of the day.
Muschamp touched on several topics, including Monday's scrimmage – the first of fall camp for the Gators – and running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey.
Check back with GatorZone.com later to read a story on Demps and Rainey – perhaps Florida's most dangerous offensive weapons for Charlie Weis to use -- and a blog about UF President Bernie Machen's recent visit to camp.
For now, here are some notes from Muschamp's press conference:
--There is finally some separation among the back-up quarterback trio of Tyler Murphy, Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel.
Muschamp said Tuesday that Driskel has emerged early in camp as the leader to back up starter John Brantley.
“Jeff has kind of distanced himself right now to be the back-up quarterback,” Muschamp said. “He has played well in the scrimmage, has good command in the offense. I told Jeff, 'At this point, you've earned this opportunity, but you're a day or two away from those other guys gaining on you.' ''
Muschamp added that Brissett and Murphy have done nothing wrong to fall behind Driskel, but that Driskel has excelled at a faster rate. He estimated Driskel completed 70 percent of his passes during Monday morning's scrimmage.
“He's had a very good camp at this point,'' Muschamp said.
--Freshman defensive back Marcus Roberson has probably received the most praise of any newcomer from his teammates and coaches since camp opened.
Muschamp reiterated Tuesday that Roberson has opened eyes quickly.
“I think he could possibly start. He's played well,” Muschamp said. “We're going to play the best players. I don't care what grade they are, where they're from, it don't matter to me.”
--Muschamp provided an update on senior punter David Lerner, who is battling true freshman Kyle Christy for the starter's job. Lerner was diagnosed with Crohn's disease over the summer.
“His body is taking to the medication,'' Muschamp said. “There have been a couple days where he hasn't felt well, and I've just told him to take it to the house, just go and get some rest. He's in high competition right now to be our starting punter. David has had a great camp. This is something he will battle and be fine.”
--Another freshman defensive back getting a good look is De'Ante “Pop” Saunders. Saunders is working at safety in nickel packages and has made some plays.
“Pop is playing well. He deserves the opportunity to be a starter at this point,” Muschamp said. “Pop has played more nickel than anything – more than even at corner. We need to shore up some things at safety as far as our tackling is concerned. Pop has got good instincts on the back end – when to play the ball, when not to play the ball.''
--Muschamp looked refreshed during Tuesday's media session, but a couple of hours earlier he was sweating like his players. He said the heat index on the practice field was 118 degrees.
Dealing with the heat is an important part of fall practice to Muschamp.
“You find out a lot about your leadership, especially when you face some adversity,'' he said. “We put them in some adverse situations on both sides of the ball. We're going to use the heat to our advantage. We ought to be used to playing in the heat and when it's hot.''
--With depth at tight end taking a hit recently when freshman A.C. Leonard suffered a knee injury, the Gators moved freshman defensive end Clay Burton to that position.
Muschamp said Monday that senior tackle William Steinmann is also getting reps at tight end.
