New Florida Gators offensive coordinator Kurt Roper explains offensive identity

Kurt Roper was introduced as the new offensive coordinator for the Florida Gators on Thursday and to borrow a baseball term, the former Duke Blue Devil’s assistant head coach/offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach hit a home run.

Roper spoke via teleconference call and while Florida fans are wondering what the offense will look like in Gainesville next year, Roper said the most important aspect of his offense is identifying the strengths of the personnel, including quarterback Jeff Driskel.

"“I think the biggest thing is you’ve got to find out the strengths of your quarterback and find out the strengths of your offensive line,” Roper said Thursday. “Once you find those strengths, then you can start putting together what you’re going to hang your hat on offensively.”"

You hear the expression, “putting players in a position to succeed” frequently in athletics, but that’s the mantra from Roper who will use spring practice to tailor an offense around the talent on the roster to accentuate their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.

This was echoed from the statement by Gator’s head coach Will Muschamp.

"“I’m excited to have Coach Roper join our staff,” Muschamp said in a statement. “He has a diverse, up-tempo background on offense and does a good job of adapting to what the players do best. The most important thing, though, is he has always remained balanced.”"

The hiring of Roper has restored some optimism in Gainesville after a 4-8 season riddled with injuries, in-fighting and dysfunction.