Florida Gators to use Two-Quarterback System against New Mexico State

Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA

The post Will Muschamp and Jeff Driskel era under center in Gainesville is not starting off perfectly. Head coach Jim McElwain announced on Thursday that he will use both redshirt freshman Will Grier and sophomore Treon Harris at the quarterback position in the season opener against New Mexico State.

Of the two quarterbacks, Harris is the only one with college game experience starting the final six games of the 2014 season. The former Booker T. Washington star struggled at times only completing 49.5 percent of his passes but did pick up 1,019 yards with nine touchdowns against four picks. Harris ended up third on the team in rushing yards gained with 332 on 75 totes.

Grier was a prolific quarterback out of Davidson Day High School in Davidson, North Carolina. During his senior year he passed for 4,989 yards leading the nation with 77 touchdown passes. Like Harris, he has some speed and mobility to his game running for over 1,200 yards during his senior year scoring another 13 touchdowns.

Whoever earns the majority of the snaps at quarterback against New Mexico State will have leading receiver Damarcus Robinson to throw to but must find other go-to receivers among Ahmad Fulwood, Chris Thompson, C.J. Worton, LaTroy Pittman, and Brandon Powell.

McElwain’s tinkering with the offense is still a work in progress. Not only is the position under center unsettled but the running backs will see a by committee approach until Kelvin Taylor, Jordan Cronkrite, Case Harrison, or Jordan Scarlett sets himself away from the rest of the pack.

Other news from Thursday’s post-practice press conference was not good. True freshman offensive tackle will miss an indefinite amount of time with a leg injury that will require surgery.

Florida kicks off against New Mexico State in The Swamp on Sept. 5.

Photo credit: gatorzone.com; No. 3 Treon Harris and No. 7 Will Grier receive QB instructions.