If you were wondering why Florida tried to flip Jacob Eason’s commitment to Georgia late in last year’s recruiting cycle, look no further than coach Jim McElwain’s comments on the quarterback.

“This guy, in my opinion, is the future of the SEC,” McElwain said during a news conference Monday. “I mean he’s that good. And his ability to push the ball downfield is something that is very impressive. … You know, the learning curve, natural for anybody at that position, and yet, man, he can hurt you in a hurry.”

Though McElwain admires Eason, he’ll want to shut the quarterback down when No. 14 Florida faces Georgia at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida.

Eason has had little trouble adjusting to the rigors of the SEC despite his youth. The true freshman has completed 54.3 percent of his passes for 1,366 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions.

He will face undoubtedly his stiffest test of the season against the Gators, who have the second-best passing defense nationally in allowing just 132.8 yards per game through the air.