Anthony Richardson may become a full-blown breakout star in college football this season; however, that hasn’t happened yet.

Richardson has flashed greatness in Florida’s season, but he didn’t play last week against Alabama due to an injury suffered against South Florida. However, Richardson is back and should make an impact through the remainder of the season, starting Saturday night against Tennessee.

Yes, Emory Jones is the starting quarterback and played well against Alabama, but Richardson is a star and the future at the position. The Gators offense has so much upside with Richardson at the helm.

He’s a home-grown Gainesville product

Richardson played his high school football in Gainesville, Florida — the Gators hometown. The former Eastside High School star led his team to the playoffs with 4,633 yards passing and 37 touchdowns. However, during most of his senior season, he was sidelined due to an injury. He also averaged 10.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in basketball.

Tim Tebow loves him

Florida legend Tim Tebow recently extolled Richardson’s praises. Tebow, who is now an SEC Network analyst, said, “I think this kid has a chance to be an absolute freak.” Richardson hasn’t let him down yet.

The Florida legend should know quite well, because he was a freak in his own right. Tebow was a bulldog at quarterback for the Gators who wasn’t afraid of contact. Richardson isn’t either.

Richardson is a big play waiting to happen

Richardson already had a 73-yard touchdown run against FAU, but that’s not all he can do. Last week, Richardson also connected for touchdown passes of 75 and 41 yards – plus he added in another long touchdown run. This time it was 80 yards in the Week 2 42-20 win over South Florida. Tennessee defenders had better keep their eye on Richardson or he’ll be gone.

Richardson’s toolbox is full

If you haven’t seen Richardson play yet, his talent will surprise you against Tennessee. His private quarterback trainer called his tools “generational”. Well, we’ll see about that. Generational tools makes one think of Trever Lawrence, Andrew Luck or John Elway. While that would be something to behold, it seems a bit of an exaggeration. Still, there shouldn’t be any throws or plays that he can’t make physically.

Richardson posted one of highest SPARQ rating history at The Opening Finals in 2019. The SPARQ rating is designed to test a football player’s overall athletic ability. What makes the performance so impressive is that he had reportedly never trained for the events, like the 40-yard dash and shuttle run. Both are parts of the SPARQ rating. He also posted the longest throw in the Elite 11 camp.

Richardson may be Florida’s best chance to make the SEC Championship

The Florida quarterback may be the Gators best chance to beat Georgia and face off against Alabama in the SEC Championship in December. By holding Richardson out against Alabama due to the hamstring injury, Dan Mullen has a secret weapon the rest of the way.