Where the Gators stand: Quarterback

This week, I'll be hitting each spot on the Gators depth chart with a position-by-position analysis on where Florida currently stands in regards to the Class of 2011, and what needs still have to be met across the board. We'll start off today with the Quarterbacks...

Current Florida depth chart:
12 - John Brantley (6-3, 225, R-Jr.)
13 - Trey Burton (6-2, 220, Fr.)
10 - Tyler Murphy (6-1, 195, Fr.)

Committed to Florida for 2011:
Jeff Driskel (6-4, 225, Oviedo, Fla./Hagerty) -- Jan. enrollee

Other Prospects on the board:
Jerrard Randall (6-1, 180, Hollywood, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna) - Committed to OREGON
Phillip Ely (6-1, 188, Tampa, Fla./Plant)

Analysis: At this point, while the word in Gainesville seems to indicate that Florida will stand pat with just Driskel in this class, I wouldn't be so sure that this is the case come next February. There are too many variables here for Florida to simply ignore the idea of taking a second quarterback.

For one, Tyler Murphy was a late addition to the Class of 2010, and he is still very much an unproven commodity. His future could lie at another position (WR or S, perhaps?) and no one will really know what his game is all about until he hits the field for fall camp next week.

Secondly, what if John Brantley goes nuts this season, puts up video game numbers, and emerges as a projected top-ten pick in the NFL Draft next April? It's an unlikely scenario, but one that shouldn't be considered out of the realm of possibility. Look at USC, who just had to deal with a similar situation in 2008 when highly-touted first-year starter Mark Sanchez emerged as big NFL QB prospect, and he subsequently left for the big bucks and bright lights of New York City. The Trojans subsequently had to turn to true freshman Matt Barkley as the starter in 2009, when he could have most certainly benefited from a year spent on the sidelines. The Gators could be in for a similar pickle if Brantley performs above expectations this fall.

In any case, the Gators will continue evaluating quarterback prospects out there, in the event that either Murphy shows he will not be able to contribute at the QB position against SEC competition, or Brantley blows everyone out of the water.

Ely and Randall are really the only two prospects left on the board who Florida has evaluated and stayed in contact with (Randall is currently committed to Oregon, but I tend to think he could be had if the right team pushes for him before National Signing Day). The reality though, is that if it became apparent that the Gators needed another quarterback for 2011, their board would expand greatly almost immediately.

It seems that Scot Loeffler really hit the jackpot with Jeff Driskel back in April. The Gators, who started recruiting Driskel in earnest late last summer, sort of rolled the dice with a signal-caller who has not put up big numbers at the high school level (in 2009, Driskel threw for 1,427 yards, 11 touchdowns with six interceptions while completing just 50 percent of his passes). However, the Gators knew that Driskel didn't have a lot of talent around him. They continued to evaluate his abilities as a passer -- which are considerable -- and when it came time for Driskel to make the decision earlier this spring, the choice was clear.

Following his MVP performance at the Elite 11 Quarterback Camp last week, Driskel has emerged as one of the top quarterback prospects, not only for this year, but in recent memory as well. The National Director of ESPN Recruiting, Tom Luginbill, says that Driskel "might be the most physically talented passer we have seen in this event in the past six years." A comparison that would put Driskel on the same level with quarterbacks such as Matthew Stafford (#1 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft), Tim Tebow (#25 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft) and Jake Locker (who will likely be a first-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft).

But as impressive as that is, Driskel still has plenty to work on. He is very much an unfinished product at the quarterback position. And if any little thing happens to the remainder of the Florida QB depth chart, Loeffler & Co. will be hitting the trail looking for another youngster to join Driskel in fall camp when August of 2011 rolls around.