With Quarterback Kyle Trask finally gone, the Florida Gators have big shoes to fill at the QB position. Trask, who was the first Heisman finalist from the Gators since Tim Tebow, has moved on to the NFL Draft. To make matters worse for the Gators offense next season, tight end Kyle Pitts will not be returning. Pitts was perhaps the most dominant tight end in all of college football last season, earning himself a chance at being a top 15 draft pick. Considering how poorly the Gators defense played this past year, there is still much uncertainty surrounding both sides of the football. If the Gators wish to contend for a playoff spot, Emory Jones will need to have a breakout season.
What Should Gators Fans Expect From Jones?
Although there are very few guarantees in life, it seems likely that Emory Jones will be the Gators starter come fall time. Jones, who will be a redshirt junior in 2021, has already had playing time as a Gator. On the field, Jones has proven to be a strong dual threat quarterback. In his Gators career so far, Jones has thrown 55 completions for 613 yards on 86 passes. Jones also has seven throwing touchdowns and only one interception. On the ground, he has ran the ball 92 times for 514 yards. Overall, Jones has already shown plenty of promise. The Gators have already relied on him to confuse defenses in the past, and Florida fans should expect more of the same in 2021. Although 2021 will be his first year as the Gators starter, it should not be surprising that Jones is in the early Heisman race.
Considering that Jones is a dual-threat quarterback, Gators fans can expect to see a difference in the offensive play style. Whereas the offense was very pass heavy under Trask, there will be a mix of play calling under Jones. He may have a great arm, but he has also proven to confuse defenses by running the football. When asked about the future of the redshirt junior quarterback at Florida, Dan Mullen seemed rather elated. Mullen made it clear that Jones was right for the job and that the offense will adapt around him. This is good news for Gator fans, as chemistry between a quarterback and his head coach is always important. Overall, the Gators should have another great quarterback leading the way in 2021.