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Checking in on the early-season temperatures in Gainesville, Fla. …
HOT
Florida’s running backs. It’s only be one game for the Florida Gators, but it was their running backs that stood out the most in their season-opener. Led by Matt Jones and Kelvin Taylor, the Gators’ running game showed speed, power and explosiveness. Both Jones and Taylor took 30-plus yard runs for touchdowns and they looked dominant, running through the middle of the defenses, thanks to some great blocking by their offensive line. Add in two additional guys like Mack Brown and Brandon Powell and suddenly Florida has some of the best depth at running back in the SEC. Powell, especially, will be one to watch. Even as a true freshman, there’s something a little different when he’s got the ball in his hands. He’s very quick and head coach Will Muschamp raves about his playmaking ability. As the season goes on, this will be the group to watch.
WARM
Demarcus Robinson. The sophomore wide receiver made his presence known Saturday against Eastern Michigan with six catches, 123 receiving yards and a touchdown that came on a 70-yard bomb by quarterback Treon Harris. For Robinson, however, last Saturday was even more special after the struggles he experienced off-the-field last season. Initially thought of by fans to be the player who would resurrect an anemic wide receiving corps as a freshman, Robinson’s off-the-field troubles prevented that from happening as he was suspended by Muschamp twice. According to his coach, however, Robinson has matured throughout the offseason and has moved on. Fans certainly got a glimpse of what Robinson could bring to the Florida offense with his performance last weekend. So far, so good for the sophomore.
RELATED: Roper says Robinson ‘can truly make plays’
COLD
The secondary. I’m not saying there isn’t talent within the Gators’ defensive backs. I mean, it’s hard to argue against Vernon Hargreaves and upperclassmen like safety Jabari Gorman and cornerback Brian Poole. However, it’s not the talent that could be the issue, it’s the experience. Laden with freshmen, the Gators’ secondary is largely unproven and inexperienced. True freshmen Jalen Tabor, Duke Dawson, JC Jackson and Quincy Wilson should all expect playing time throughout the season, but the jury is still out on how these players will perform in their first year. Dawson got his season off to a great start with a pick-six and the scouting reports on Tabor say he’s got the skills to be the next impact Florida corner. However, until it’s proven on the field this season, you can bet defenses will test the young Gators’ secondary.
FROZEN
The injury bug. After their one game, it was injuries that’s absolutely been the worst part about this season for Florida. After a year where the Gators lost 17 players to season-ending injuries, it looks like their bad luck has picked right up from where it left off. Tight end and Virginia transfer Jake McGee, who was tabbed as an X-factor in Kurt Roper’s offense – had his leg rolled up while blocking. The result – a fractured tibia and fibula – will keep him out for the rest of the season and perhaps ended his Florida Gators career about as quickly as it began. On top of McGee’s injury, starting left tackle DJ Humphries suffered a high ankle sprain, which will keep him out for at least the next two games. The Gators will need to avoid any more serious injuries to key players if they want to have a chance at turning things around in 2014.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
