Fansided

Life after Kyle Trask hinges on development of Emory Jones

By Alicia de Artola

Dec 30, 2020; Arlington, TX, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Emory Jones (5) throws during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2020; Arlington, TX, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Emory Jones (5) throws during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Florida’s future without quarterback Kyle Trask and many other offensive weapons depends on making the most of Emory Jones’ skillset.

Now that the Cotton Bowl is (mercifully) over, the Florida Gators can lick their chops and look to the future.

Unfortunately for the Gators, the future involves answering some serious questions and filling major gaps in the lineup.

Quarterback Kyle Trask likely ended his Florida career with his three-interception outing in Arlington, but the impact of his senior campaign shouldn’t be judged on that performance. As a Heisman candidate, Trask carried the Gators to whatever heights they managed.

He won’t be around to do the same next year. Nor will Kyle Pitts, the excellent receiving tight end, nor will leading receivers Kadarius Toney and Trevon Grimes. Those standout pass-catchers sat out the Cotton Bowl, giving Florida a taste of the future. It wasn’t pretty.

Emory Jones brings a different style that could help offset Kyle Trask’s loss

There is some hope for Florida. Quarterback Emory Jones is the heir apparent to Trask, and he’s already shown some of the dynamic skill-set he can bring to the table.

On Wednesday, as Florida’s offense sputtered, it was Jones giving it some life with 10 carries for 60 yards and a one-yard touchdown on the ground.

Jones is not a like-for-like replacement for Trask, but that doesn’t have to mean a step back. It’s just a step in a different direction.

Head coach Dan Mullen should be familiar with a talent like Jones. While at Mississippi State, Mullen coached Dak Prescot to All-SEC acclaim while taking advantage of his arm and legs. Prescott threw for 9,376 yards and rushed for 2,521 yards with the Bulldogs. He had 70 passing touchdowns and 41 rushing touchdowns.

Mullen should be focused on molding Jones into the next iteration of Prescott. The future of Florida depends on it.

Next. 150 most iconic CFB moments of all time. dark

For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.

Home/College Football