Florida football 2019 spring preview: What can Dan Mullen do for an encore?

Florida football hopes to build on the success of last year’s team as the Gators enter Dan Mullen’s second spring and quarterback is no longer a problem.

In his first season as Florida’s head coach, Dan Mullen restored pride to “The Swamp” in Gainesville. He led the Gators to their first 10-win season since 2015 and a win over Michigan in the Peach Bowl. With quarterback Felipe Franks coming off his best season along with offensive stars Lamical Perine, Van Jefferson and Tyrie Cleveland deciding to return, Mullen and the Gators will look to continue their success in 2019.

• 2018 Record: 10-3, 5-3
• Spring game date: April 13th

Biggest spring storyline?

One of the biggest reasons Franks had success this past season was due to having a very experienced offensive line in front of him. Florida is losing four starters on last year’s line to the NFL: Jawaan Taylor, Martez Ivey, Fred Johnson and Tyler Jordan. Center Nick Buchanan is the only returning starter. Noah Banks, Chris Bleich, Brett Heggie and Stone Forsythe are coming into spring camp as the favorites to take over. While each of these linemen has had time to develop and learn from pro-bound players, will they be able to help this offense match their success in 2019?

Biggest reason for optimism?

The biggest reason Gator fans should be pumped for 2019 is coach Mullen’s potential in year two. When a new coach takes over for a prestigious program, there is immediately a lot of pressure. Many were skeptical last season if Mullen’s success at Mississippi State could translate to another SEC power. After coming off a 4-7 record in 2017, Mullen flipped the losing script quick. The offense went from averaging 22 points per game in 2017 to 35 last season. The defense also improved from allowing 27 points a game to 20. With several key offensive starters returning at the skill positions, Florida looks to be a team that will build off their success from last year.

Biggest question mark/concern?

Felipe Franks proved himself to be the quarterback for this team last year, but can he sustain success? Just ask the fellow Miami Hurricanes. Malik Rosier looked to be the real deal for the Hurricanes moving forward but regressed and the team suffered because of it. Emory Jones was one of the bigger names to arrive on campus last season and looked to compete with Franks for the starting job. Ultimately, Mullen went with the sophomore Franks and it proved to be the right decision. Jones, however, did see the field last season in certain packages to take advantage of his dual-threat abilities. Fans know Jones is chomping at the bit to show what he can do. While Franks has the running game and receivers to help him, he will have to take his game to an even bigger level to lift Florida to the level of winning an SEC championship, especially with an almost entirely new offensive line in front of him.

Biggest offseason addition/newcomer?

There is a lot of reason for optimism on the recruiting front as well. The Gators have the No. 9 class in the country according to 247Sports. Corner Chris Steele is the best of the bunch. Steele, a four-star recruit, is rated as the 42nd best prospect nationally and No. 5 cornerback in the nation. He enrolled early so he will be able to compete in spring ball right away for reps. The coaches have mentioned they could see him being a part of the first-team if he works hard enough right away. C.J. Henderson and Trey Dean are slated to return as the starting corners, but Steele is capable of seeing the field plenty this season.

Biggest game to look forward to?

If Mullen wants to take Florida back to an élite level of competing for the conference title, they have to go through the Georgia Bulldogs. This is one of the greatest rivalries in college football and fans from both sides gear up for it every year. Last year Florida entered at 6-1 with a chance to launch themselves into the SEC title discussion. That never happened as the Bulldogs bullied the Gators in Jacksonville 36-17. A loss the following week and the Gators were all but out of the title race. Florida versus Georgia has produced great moments in its history and another could occur this season if the Gators can build off their success in 2018.