Dan Mullen comments on Emory Jones, Anthony Richardson amid growing Florida QB controversy

Dan Mullen named Emory Jones the starter for the Florida Gators ahead of the 2021 season.

However, after Florida’s 35-14 win over FAU on Saturday night, there are some legitimate questions about who should be QB1 moving forward.

Jones finished with 113 passing yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. He added 74 yards as a rusher. Meanwhile, backup QB Anthony Richardson ran 7 times for 160 yards and a score while also throwing for 40 yards.

But, after the game, coach Dan Mullen said Jones remains the starter moving forward:

Dan Mullen: 'Obviously Emory's our starter.'

— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) September 5, 2021

Why is Jones the starter still? Mullen pointed to Jones’s ability to run the entire offense:

Dan Mullen said Emory Jones' ability to run the entire offense and make decisions is key for #Gators.

— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) September 5, 2021

But, he also had plenty of praise for Richardson, saying he’s going to be a great player for the Gators:

I think he's going to be a great player for us, Mullen says of Richardson. "He's a special guy with the ball in his hand." #Gators

— Matt Baker (@MBakerTBTimes) September 5, 2021

As far as any controversy goes, though, Mullen downplayed that, saying both players are “nice guys”:

'They're not very controversial guys. They're really nice guys,' Dan Mullen on #Gators QB controversy.

— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) September 5, 2021

Florida gets to tune up next weekend against a USF team that looked overmatched in a shutout loss to NC State in Week 1. We’ll see if the Gators can get the QB situation solidified before Alabama visits in Week 3.