Quarterback battles defining summer for Florida, other SEC foes
Florida concluded spring practice without a clear decision at quarterback, but the Gators are not the only SEC school dealing with that issue, either.
The picture for many of Florida football's position battles came into focus during spring practice, except for the quarterback room. While Tramell Jones Jr. showed flashes and Aaron Philo reinforced Buster Faulkner's decision to bring the former Yellow Jacket with him from Georgia Tech, no clear starter has emerged since the Orange and Blue Game.
The all-important competition now extends into the summer. Jon Sumrall will continue to evaluate his options ahead of a pivotal first season of the post-Billy Napier era. After 15 practices, Jones Jr.
and Philo remain locked in a battle that will likely define the Gators ' season, for better or worse. The battle is a proxy for Florida's search for offensive identity, with new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner changing the script in Gainesville. Jones did make a strong case after delivering a turnover-free campaign in the final scrimmage.
The 19-year-old showed flashes of elite mobility and a noticeable composure under pressure. However, for Jones Jr. , consistency will be the barometer.