One fascination people have with spring practice these days is how the early enrollees are performing. Expectations are always way too high for these guys, but that doesn't stop the constant judging.
Unfortunately, Saturday's Orange and Blue Debut will be the first time fans and the media see these guys in action. To pass the time, here's a look at what we think each will do this spring.
Quarterback
Jeff Driskel (6-foot-4, 238 pounds)411: Driskel came into spring practice as the most ballyhooed of all Florida's signees. He was the top quarterback prospect in the nation and was named the 2010 Maxwell Football Club's National High School Player of the Year. As a senior at Oviedo Hagerty, Driskel passed for 1,819 yards and 15 touchdowns, rushed for 1,333 yards and 20 touchdowns, and caught two passes — both for touchdowns — for 138 yards.
What he'll do: While Driskel was a one-man show in high school, he was known to be a bit of a gambler in the pocket. Charlie Weis' instruction should help him become a more well-rounded quarterback. Moving to a pro-style offense could also be tricky for him at first, but Driskel showed in high school that he's certainly a true gamer and with his arm strength and athleticism. However, getting past Tyler Murphy this spring appears to be a tough chore for Driskel than most thought. As talented as he is, word is that he's struggling in practice. That's to be expected, so he and Murphy should continue dueling for the No. 2 spot behind John Brantley through fall practice.
Running Back
Mike Blakely (5-9, 205)411: Blakely was the only running back prospect to sign with the Gators in the 2011 class. Though he's not the biggest guy, Blakely runs like a power back. He also excelled as a receiver out of the backfield. Even with a nagging ankle injury, Blakely rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a senior and added 19 touchdowns on the ground.
What he'll do: Unfortunately for Blakely, he won't be participating in spring practice this year after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. Missing spring means Blakely will be behind four running backs heading into fall practice. A shoulder injury also means he'll be behind in the weight room when it comes to upper-body work.
Tight End
A.C. Leonard (6-4, 245)411: An on-field altercation shortened Leonard's senior season, but he has shown for a while that he has the talent to compete early in college. He was one of the top tight end prospects at Florida's Friday Night Lights camp last July and was equally as impressive at this year's Under Armour All-American Game practices.
What he'll do: Jordan Reed started the spring as Florida's starter at tight end, but Leonard still has a great chance to come in and compete for early playing time. Getting on campus early only helped his chances. He's a very athletic tight end with great hands and could be used as more of a flex guy. Leonard could even see time in Florida's two tight end formations. He'll leave spring right behind Reed on the depth chart.
Wide Receiver
Javares McRoy (5-8, 170)411: McRoy was pretty tough to get a hold of in high school because of his smooth moves and deadly speed. He played in the spread in high school, but assures his style will work in a pro-style offense. His size could also hinder him in the new offense. Though he was a slot guy at Lakeland, he wants to be an outside deep threat at Florida.
What he'll do: Getting accustomed to the pro-style is his first objective this spring. With the number of receivers already on Florida's campus, McRoy will have to really impress to stick out. McRoy will use this time to get more familiar with learning and playing faster at the college level. While it will take him some time with Florida's offense, with his speed, finding a spot on special teams is a real possibility for McRoy this spring.
Defensive Lineman
Clay Burton (6-4, 245)411: Burton played tight end, linebacker and defensive end at Venice High. The coaches like him as a defensive end and that's where he'll start at Florida. He finished his junior year with 80 tackles and 13 sacks. If he's anything like his older brother, Trey, he'll be a workhorse at Florida.
What he'll do: Defensive end depth is an issue for the Gators, so an impressive spring could go a long way for Burton. William Green and Ronald Powell are the only ends with much experience on the field, so Burton is almost on a level playing field with his teammates. Burton is currently listed behind Green and redshirt freshman Chris Martin. Getting past Martin on the depth chart won't be easy, but Burton should get solid reps with the second-team this spring.
Defensive Back
De'Ante "Pop" Saunders (5-8, 173)411: Saunders was a two-way player in high school. When he wasn't playing cornerback he was carrying the ball on offense, where he made defenders sick with his elusiveness and speed. He's also a great returner and could have a solid college career in the kicking game. Saunders got beat a few times during his time in Orlando for the Under Armour practices, showing he's still a bit raw at the corner spot.
What he'll do: He's currently listed as an option behind Matt Elam as the nickel corner, which would fit him more than being on the outside at this point. With his raw talent, he could be a liability outside. Expect him to stay inside this spring. As for returning kicks, he isn't listed on the depth chart right now, but he should be able to work his way into it as the spring progresses.
Punter
Kyle Christy (6-1, 185)411: Christy showcased one of the strongest high school legs in 2010 and he's not too bad at kicking field goals as well. Scout.com listed him as the second-best punter in the nation, while Rivals.com ranked him as the No. 3 kicker.
What he'll do: Right when Chas Henry's eligibility was up, the punter spot went to Christy. The good thing about him enrolling early is that he'll get an early, uncomfortable taste of SEC speed. That should help him with getting the ball off faster and it will help with ball placement. He'll be kicking straight to the fastest athletes he's seen, so he'll struggle with hitting his sports at times, but this is his position to lose.
