Expect better wide receiver play at Florida under Jim McElwain
By Kevin Duffey
Published:
The Florida Gators headscratchingly haven’t had a difference maker at wide receiver since Riley Cooper or Louis Murphy left for the NFL in 2009.
That’s five seasons. At Florida. How does that happen in the most fertile state of skill position players, and how does that happen to one of the top schools for receivers in SEC history?
Florida’s offense has struggled, uh, mightily over the last few years. It’s stemmed from the lack of an adequate offensive line to quarterback play, but the receiver position sure hasn’t helped.
Creating separation off the line of scrimmage against SEC defensive backs has been found to be a very difficult feat. It hasn’t been for the lack of signing highly ranked recruits, though. Some of it lies on the shoulders of the previous regime, which saw four different wide receivers coaches over Will Muschamp’s tenure. In fact, Florida has had seven straight seasons of a revolving door as the position coach. Seven wide receiver coaches in seven seasons.
That will inhibit development, quickly.
The lack of development at the position showed true with former five-star Andre Debose, who’s career was an overall disappointment. Debose will be known as a kick returner who rarely saw the field as a receiver, despite being one of the fastest and most athletic players on it. Former high school star receiver Chris Dunkley eventually transferred, as did Javares McRoy and Ja’Juan Story, two other highly touted receivers the Gators signed over the last few years.
Although the future is much brighter than, say, heading into the 2014 season, Jim McElwain has to expedite growth and development at receiver and quickly. Here are four reasons why Florida’s receiver play should improve under McElwain immediately:
Quarterback play
With more focus on developing the quarterback, the receivers will obviously benefit. That should be where the biggest impact will come. After all, receivers have to have someone get them the football, right? Either Treon Harris or Will Grier will emerge as the starter.
The commitment of McElwain and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier to quarterback development and an offense that’s conducive for big numbers in the passing game will be tremendous for the receivers. McElwain’s offense at Alabama was labeled pro-style; his offense at Colorado State was often labeled a spread offense. The good thing is he catered to the talent on his roster everywhere he’s been. He’ll do the same at Florida.
Better coaching
McElwain recently hired FIU’s Kerry Dixon as his new receivers coach. However, no matter who McElwain hired, it’s clear he will have a hand in receiver development, too, having coached receivers at four different stops during his career. He always had that in his back pocket, waiting on the right hire for the Gators, more for recruiting purposes. Florida will benefit from McElwain’s and Dixon’s coaching immediately, even in spring practice.
McElwain has proven he’ll feed his best offensive player until defenses shut it down. That may be rising junior Demarcus Robinson, who presents the biggest threat to opposing defenses.
Inheriting an All-American candidate
Speaking of Demarcus Robinson, he is the focus heading into 2015, and he showed he’s worthy of being a go-to receiver in 2014. He’s been inconsistent throughout his career, but some blame has to be shouldered on the lack of a consistent position coach, who could actually teach the position. There are few in the country who possess the type of ability as Robinson. He caught 53 passes for 810 yards and seven touchdowns on the SEC’s third worst ranked passing offense.
Last year, McElwain’s leading receiver at Colorado State, Rashard Higgins, caught 96 passes for 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns. Although those numbers are somewhat silly, the extremely raw Robinson could be that player in 2015.
Better use of the tight end
Another huge aspect that’s been basically untapped is the tight end position. Having a pass catching reliable tight end and a passing game that actually targets the tight end will be very beneficial for Florida’s receiver development. It will present another threat for defenses, and that alone should allow receivers to get open. Florida returns Jake McGee, who missed last season with a broken leg suffered in the first game.
McGee is an NFL talent who transferred from Virginia. He was the Cavs’ leading receiver in 2013, catching 43 passes 395 yards and two touchdowns. If you’ll remember, the tight end position likely cost the Gators the game against LSU this past season, with a dropped touchdown by a converted defensive end.
There are no Percy Harvins on the roster, but there could be an All-American waiting to blossom in Demarcus Robinson and several supporting role players who can make routine catches. Ahmad Fullwood also showed some flashes in the Birmingham Bowl by housing a 86-yard quick screen. Returners Valdez Showers and CJ Worton should also be impact players.
2013’s haul of Robinson, Fullword, Alvin Bailey, and Chris Thompson should start to pay dividends this season, finally.
A graduate of the University of Florida and founder of Saturday Down South, Kevin is a college football enthusiast.
