Gators Seek to Get Freshmen QBs Work Early in Season
Tuesday, August 30, 2016 | Football, Scott Carter
Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask vying for third-string quarterback job.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Building depth at quarterback was one of Jim McElwain's top priorities when he took over a Florida program that despite a strong history at quarterback, had trouble establishing an identity at the game's most important position since the departure of Tim Tebow after the 2009 season.
The Gators were limited offensively a year ago after starter Will Grier was suspended midseason and replaced by Treon Harris. McElwain had no other feasible options, so the Gators went as far as Harris could take them.
McElwain is more confident in Florida's prospects at the position in Year 2, naming redshirt sophomore Luke Del Rio the starter with fifth-year senior Austin Appleby an experienced and capable second option.
Still, a third option is a must and the Gators have a pair of true freshmen in Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask vying for that role entering the season opener on Saturday against UMass.
McElwain and his staff have discussed the possibility of getting both players reps early in the season to enhance their development and build depth behind Del Rio and Appleby should the Gators need them to play significant snaps later in the season.
"It's something we're talking about right now,'' McElwain said. "I'd like to be able to get both of those guys some reps, if possible, because obviously we have to have an established third at some point. We'll kind of see where it goes from there. We haven't made a definitive decision there on that, and yet that's something that we need to look down the road at, no doubt about it."
Franks and Trask both took regular snaps during preseason camp as the battle for the starter's job sorted itself out between Del Rio and Appleby.
Both players arrived as early enrollees in January and participated in spring camp. Trask had a better performance in the Orange & Blue Debut, completing 4 of 7 passes for 63 yards. Franks finished 5 of 11 for 58 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
Both have a greater understanding of the offense since the spring game and each is expected to play at some point either against UMass or in one of UF's early-season games.
Once the third-string quarterback role is solidified, the other could be redshirted – or not.
"Right now, you just never know,'' McElwain said. "If you had a crystal ball, I think that would be ideal, but I do know this: We have to prepare somebody to play in that spot and both of them have done a really good job."
