There is one question that dominates the Univesity of Florida football team. It isn’t about linebackers.
It isn’t about receivers or runners or defensive backs. It isn’t about opponents or guards or defenders.
At Florida, the question is always about quarterbacks.
This spring, with a shoulder injury to incumbent Luke Del Rio, the Gators have been turned over to redshirt freshmen Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask. The Gators haven’t had an impact quarterback since Tim Tebow in 2009.
That has led to a Franks vs. Trask discussion on campus that has not paused. It seems to be a friendly competition.
“We haven’t had any tension,” Trask told the Orlando Sentinel. “Because we both early enrolled we’ve gotten close ever since.”
“Like they say, iron sharpens iron,” Franks said. “It’s a cool opportunity, a very cool opportunity. I’m working my butt off every day for that opportunity.”
A year ago, however, Franks was still wrestling with an “overwhelming” playbook.
“I think it was a case of me just not coming in and getting comfortable with everybody,” he said. “Being here a season, redshirting, it was really good for me, getting to know the players, getting to know the offense, knowing how things operate around here at Florida.
“It’s been really good for me.”
Franks is known for his strong arm. Trask is known for his accuracy.
“I’ve made a big focus on just being more vocal at the line of scrimmage,” he said. “After one year, coming in as an early enrollee to now I feel 100 percent more confident at the line of scrimmage.
“You gotta be confident. Your energy reflects on everybody.”
Franks has the confidence part down. Too much so at times.
“He’s got great belief in his arm strength,” offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier said. “At times, we’ve got to teach him that you can’t make every throw and sometimes you can’t throw it through three guys.”
For the Gators, the players give Florida two chances at their next great quarterback.
And a discussion that will not stop.
