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It’s still early, but it’s starting to look like several true freshmen could be making significant contributions at Florida this season.
Tailbacks Jordan Scarlett and Jordan Cronkrite, offensive tackle Martez Ivey and defensive end Cece Jefferson could all see significant action in the Gators’ Sept. 5 season opener against New Mexico State.
Scarlett and Cronkrite, two South Florida products who were part of new coach Jim McElwain’s first recruiting class, both cited the possibility of immediate playing time in their decisions to come to Gainesville. Yet it’s unlikely even they could have foreseen being thrust so far into the mix at this point. That’s the reality after Adam Lane’s recent decision to transfer to Eastern Kentucky left the Gators with just four scholarship tailbacks.
Lane, the Birmingham Bowl MVP after rushing for 109 yards, was the team’s second-most experienced returning back behind starter Kelvin Taylor. Lane’s decision to leave means that senior Mark Herndon, a career special teams player with just seven career carries, now assumes that role behind Taylor.
The two talented Gators newcomers figure to press Herndon for playing time this fall.
Said McElwain, according to the Gainesville Sun:
“Those guys are picking it up. They’re quick learners, and [running backs] coach [Tim] Skipper has been real happy with how they’ve attacked the meeting room part. That’s very new for freshmen, the amount of time it takes and the transition from the meeting room to the practice field back to the meeting room and the corrections that need to be made.
“We’ve been happy with their progress. For them, the real test comes in that first scrimmage. Just to kind of see, because let’s face it scrimmage day, the speed of the game kind of picks up a little bit and the coaches aren’t sitting out there and spoon-feeding you on every play, so we’ll see kind of what they can do. I think they’ll help the Gators for a long time to come.”
Scarlett, a blue-chip recruit who originally committed to Miami before choosing the Gators, might be the fastest of all the backs and could give Florida its first legitimate breakaway threat since Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. Like most freshman backs, he’ll need to work on his pass blocking more than anything else.
Normally, redshirting Cronkrite would be a likely option for a No. 3 freshman tailback, but the lack of numbers at the position could force him into service this fall.
Ivey was rated the No. 1 offensive tackle prospect in the Class of 2015, and has yet to disappoint, impressing both coaches and teammates alike. Physically imposing at 6-foot-5, 302 pounds, Ivey has also demonstrated that the stage isn’t too big for him. The former five-star recruit figures to see significant minutes or perhaps even start at right tackle.
A contingent of Gators fans have expected Ivey to start immediately, but even with Florida’s lack of experience, he may be a swing tackle as a freshman. David Sharpe and Mason Halter, a two-time FCS All-American before transferring from Fordham, could man the bookend spots to start the season.
Jefferson, another five-star member of the 2015 class, has earned praise from his teammates and could earn playing time along a veteran Gators defensive line.
Jefferson most likely will begin ’15 as a reserve this fall and will have to exceed expectations to make the kind of splash that Tennessee’s Derek Barnett and Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett did as freshmen last season. Still, he’s quick and strong enough to make an immediate impact.
#Gators OL Trip Thurman said freshman DE CeCe Jefferson is stepping up "as kind of like a young Jon Bullard." Praised his strength.
— Landon Watnick (@LandonWatnick) August 8, 2015
These are the first big-time players secured by McElwain as Florida’s head coach, so it will reflect well on him if they make an early impact.
John Hollis is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Georgia and Florida.
