Jon Sumrall’s debut faces a major roadblock as an unsettled quarterback battle and offensive line woes threaten to derail the Gators’ grueling nine-game SEC schedule.
New Florida head coach Jon Sumrall wanted to downplay his quarterback battle between Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. this spring.
Jones appeared to play better in the final scrimmage, a surprise to those who sought Philo should have the advantage in offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner's scheme, who joined Sumrall's staff after a successful season with Georgia Tech.
Sumrall believes the offensive line is a bigger issue at the moment, as his coaching staff finds the right combination of five players. He also needs the unit to be more physical.
Brad Crawford of CBS Sports called Jones and Philo "green" options for Florida. The Gators could have issues with their nine-game SEC schedule unless the passing game can have a deep threat.
"Jon Sumrall takes over the Gators with defensive credibility and a clear culture vision, but the single biggest swing factor in Year 1 is still quarterback play -- and that's where the concern lives," Crawford wrote.
"In the SEC, even a strong roster foundation can be undercut quickly if the passing game doesn't consistently stress defenses, and this one's an unknown under OC Buster Faulkner and two extremely green options behind center -- Tramell Jones Jr. and Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo.
Crawford believes the offense could struggle during its non-conference schedule. In SEC play, more snaps for the defense could cause the dam to break.
"Florida's quarterback situation entering Sumrall's first season is unsettled enough to limit the offense's upside early," Crawford wrote. "Turnover margin, third-down efficiency and red-zone execution all tend to travel with experienced, high-level quarterback play, and the Gators haven't consistently had that stability in recent seasons.
"If the position remains inconsistent, Florida's defense will be forced to play on longer fields and take more snaps against elite competition, which will compound pressure over a full SEC schedule. Sumrall can raise the floor with structure and toughness, but until quarterback efficiency catches up, Florida's ceiling in Year 1 may be limited regardless of defensive improvement or roster additions in Gainesville."
Losing quarterback DJ Lagway was a big hurt for the Gators. Florida's quarterback situation is less than ideal. The good news is that the Gators have weapons at receiver and running back for their quarterback to lean on.
If Jones or Philo can be effective with short throws and getting the ball out of their hands quickly, the offense could be efficient.