Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators
- Notebook: Depth chart released
- Former Florida Football Player Roundtable I
- Post-Fall Camp Ranking of Florida position-by-position
- Notebook: Philo named starting quarterback
- Updated Fall Football Roster
- Tulane player goes in-depth on Sumrall
Four days away from the season opener, offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, junior running back Jadan Baugh, and sophomore wide receiver Vernell Brown III spoke to the media on the state of the offense, how the players have developed, and what to expect against Florida Atlantic.
FAULKNER ON HIS PLAYMAKERS
Faulkner said both quarterbacks have gotten better over the course of spring through fall camp, but they think Aaron Philo gives them the best chance to win.
While there was a battle for the starting quarterback spot, Faulkner doesn’t want Philo to play cautiously; he wants him to play his game freely.
“We want them to rip it, trust what they see, get out there, go play the game, understand you got guys around you that can go make plays,” Faulkner said.
He said there would be growing pains, but they will work through it with Philo.
Even though Faulkner said Philo had an advantage with knowing the system coming in, they have had to change things because of the new players around him.
“From a formation standpoint, that’s probably where he had an advantage, but really by the time we got going, all the guys were caught up with all the amount of walkthroughs and reps,” Faulkner said.
He said the offense is still a work in progress, but there has been improvement. He put a lot on the players at the beginning with understanding the offense.
“But probably overall, the number one place I thought we got better at from spring to the end of the summer was the ability to run the football,” Faulkner said.
He said all the running backs were able to learn and understand the different run schemes. Even though he said Baugh is “built to last”, they want to distribute the ball and be smart with his usage.
His focus with Baugh has been on the deeper aspects of being a running back, such as pass protections and how he will be used in the passing game.
Faulkner said the staff has been collaborative on the approach to practices and schemes on offense. One of the things Faulkner said the staff agreed on was that Tuesday practices need to be very intense.
He said FAU is able to mix up their coverages, and they have a strong identity on defense.
“I have no doubt that they’ll come up here ready to play, and we’re going to have to bring our “A” game as well,” Faulkner said.
He said he has been demanding on Philo, and he is demanding on all his quarterbacks.
“I’m very, very demanding on a quarterback; I hold no punches about it,” Faulkner said. “My son’s a quarterback, and the reason I don’t coach him is because I still want him to be my son and love me.”
BAUGH ON THE OFFENSE AND HIS MENTALITY
Florida running back Jadan Baugh was complimentary of Faulkner’s system, saying it is exciting for the players to be a part of.
“It’s just very creative and explosive to me, and I can’t wait to see what’s happening on Saturday,” Baugh said.
He said the offense was challenging to learn because of the information overload at the beginning. He thinks he is in perfect game shape coming into the season, which will help him be faster.
Baugh wants as many carries as possible, and all the running backs share the same mindset.
“We compete as we don’t want to come off the field because we know if somebody else is on the field, it’s going to go for a touchdown,” Baugh said.
He said he isn’t thinking too much about potentially becoming Florida’s first back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher, and he is taking everything one day at a time.
He said everything leading up to the opener has been physically demanding, highlighting the gauntlet.
“Some of the guys the other day were saying, ‘Man I don’t think I can do another gauntlet again,’” Baugh said.
He has been impressed with center Harrison Moore, right guard TJ Shanahan and right tackle Emeka Ugorji’s ability to get comfortable playing at a new place. Also, Philo’s vocal leadership is what Baugh is most impressed with about his quarterback.
BROWN III TALKS TEAMMATES, DEVELOPMENT
Receiver Vernell Brown III said the offense was not too challenging for him to learn, even though it was a lot of information given to him.
“It’s a crazy offense, I’m excited to be in it, glad to be a part of it, and can’t wait to see what we do on Saturdays,” Brown III said.
He agreed with Baugh on Philo’s leadership and command of the offense, but said he had confidence in either quarterback to lead the offense.
The competition in the receiver room has been welcomed by the players in practice, and he said the room is a brotherhood.
“We’re all pushing each other and bringing the best out of each other every day, so it’s been great,” Brown III said.
He said the biggest emphasis on his personal development this offseason was winning with technique. If asked to return kicks, Brown III said he would, but he knows that’s not his current role.
When returning punts, all Brown III wants is for teams to punt it his way. He wants to take advantage of all his opportunities this year.
“I just want to take advantage of my opportunities, but as far as the Third Team All-SEC that’s fuel to the fire for me,” Brown III said. “Obviously, there are three teams, and the third team isn’t the best team.”
He’ll be able to start taking advantage of his opportunities Saturday, as Florida opens the season against FAU at 7:45 pm.
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