Florida’s chances of taking the next step under head coach Jim McElwain and leaving Atlanta as victors would take a significant jump if the team could find and develop a high-level quarterback. While the Gators have won the East two years in a row, that goal has been accomplished in spite of the quarterback play much more than because of it.

With Austin Appleby having departed the team this offseason and Luke Del Rio shelved due to injury, all eyes will be on redshirt freshmen Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask this spring. Can either player step up and impress with the additional reps being thrown their way? And what exactly will the coaching staff be looking for from both young players?

Can either step up and impress with the additional reps being thrown their way? And what exactly will the coaching staff be looking for from both young players? McElwain answered that question in his introductory spring press conference.

“I think the biggest piece we’re looking for, first and foremost,” McElwain said, “is somebody to step up and say, ‘You know what, I’m going to take this, and I’m going to lead this team and help the parts around me play better.’ Now with that, it can’t be forced. It’s got to be natural.

“Understanding that every moment means something and taking advantage of it.”

While Franks and Trask are the two names being mentioned the most, one intriguing under-the-radar name Gator fans need to know is Kadarius Toney. The three-star recruit, listed as an athlete, was an early enrollee in Gainesville and will apparently get some looks this spring as a running option from under center for the offense.

“Yeah, that’s something we did a little bit with Austin (Appleby), and yet this gives us a little bit more as we move forward,” McElwain said. “We also had those packages in for (receiver) Dre Massey that we worked on extensively and were able to use it for one kickoff.” (Massey was lost for the season on the first kickoff of the season last year)

Another possible name to watch for the Gators is former LSU quarterback Brandon Harris. Harris recently revealed he has spoken to a few SEC teams about a transfer, without revealing the schools by name, but sounded as if Florida was the team he was most interested in from the SEC.

McElwain didn’t just talk about his quarterbacks during his press conference, he listed the team’s injuries heading into the spring. These players were ruled ‘definitely out for the spring’ by McElwain:

Offensive lineman Antonio Riles (knee), receiver Freddie Swain (shoulder), quarterback Luke Del Rio (shoulder), defensive lineman Jordan Sherit (knee), linebacker David Reese (wrist), defensive back Jeawon Taylor (shoulder) and defensive back Quincy Lenton (foot).