Gridiron Now assesses Florida - OUCH

This is going to leave a mark:

OUCH

FLORIDA
One coach is convinced Florida won’t repeat as East Division champions.

“Florida won’t be as good as last year,” the coach said. “They might not finish as high as third. They lost their quarterback (when Will Grier transferred). They grew with Grier last year; now they’re back to ground zero. They don’t have the same depth and numbers of potential explosive guys on both sides of the ball that they’ve had in the past. It’s surprising, considering the state of Florida has so many skill-position players.

Jim McElwain vs. Vanderbilt 2015
Jim McElwain draws plaudits for his offensive mind. But his talent level on offense is questioned. KIM KLEMENT/USA TODAY SPORTS

“But a little bit of it is affected by the ebb and flow of FSU and Miami. If you look at history, those three schools trade back and forth, stockpiling elite players. In the last couple of years, it’s been FSU.

“They should have lost to Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky (last season). They have offensive line issues. And they haven’t recruited as well on offense as they have on defense.”

One coach had high praise for coach Jim McElwain, who milked 10 wins out a team that ranked 12th in the SEC in total offense last season.

“I love McElwain,” the coach said. “I think Jim will take over more of the offense, use more multiple formations. They’ve got to get a quarterback. Luke Del Rio is not the answer. He’s a great kid, but he’s not an SEC starter.”

Another coach said the Gators will miss cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III and defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard. He also didn’t have kind words for defensive coordinator Geoff Collins.

“Geoff is overrated,” the coach said. “He’s overrated as a tactician. He’s 11 to 14 among SEC defensive coordinators. He’s not in the top 10, I don’t think.”