2011 SEC Quarterback Competitions to Watch Part I: Arkansas and Florida
Posted on March 21, 2011 by Jacob Bunn
Arkansas: Tyler Wilson Assumes Command
This year in Fayetteville, the quarterback position will definitely not be the same because of the departure of Ryan Mallett for the NFL. However, his expected replacement shows real promise.
Tyler Wilson exploded onto the scene in the Razorbacks’ loss to Auburn last season. After Mallett became injured in the contest, Wilson took full advantage of his opportunity. He ended that game with 332 yards and four touchdowns in little more than one half of play. To have that kind of performance on the road in the SEC against the eventual national champions is more than impressive. Is that all it will amount to, though? Will Tyler Wilson be an effective quarterback at Arkansas, or was he a one hit wonder?
The answers to those questions are unclear at this point, but I think most of the Razorback faithful are content to let Wilson take over in the fall. He will have three games to hone his skills at the beginning of the year. Then, the Hogs travel to Alabama, where Wilson will face another hostile SEC road atmosphere.
With the weapons that return on the offensive side of the ball for Arkansas next year, Tyler Wilson will not be asked to completely carry the team. However, he does need to establish himself as the leader of the offense early. I think Arkansas will be tough to defend as long as Tyler Wilson remains healthy.
Florida: John Brantley Tries to Adapt to Charlie Weis’ System
As spring camp begins in Gainesville, there is no question that everything has a different tone because of the new coaching administration. Will Muschamp was hired at the end of last year to replace Urban Meyer as the Florida head football coach. Muschamp, being a defensive minded coach himself, knew when he was hired that he would have to hire an offensive coordinator on whom he could completely rely. The man he chose was Charlie Weis, the former Notre Dame coach and NFL assistant.
John Brantley, the returning starting quarterback from last season, seems to be the man again this year for the Gators. Under Urban Meyer, Florida ran the spread offense. Brantley was recruited by Meyer in order to run that offense. Last year, however, it was apparent that Brantley was not a good fit for the offense Meyer wanted to implement. Other than Tebow, though, who is? That was one of the problems. Meyer and offensive coordinator Steve Addazio rotated the quarterback responsibility last season. It appeared at times like they were intending to recreate a Tebow presence in the offensive backfield. This venture, though, was unsuccessful. Brantley completed only 200 of his 329 passes thrown and threw nine touchdowns and ten interceptions. Those are not the kind of numbers anyone expected from the highly touted junior from Ocala.
Charlie Weis operates a pro-style offense. This could be just what the doctor orders for Brantley. He needs to feel freer about his ability to make things happen in the pocket. The main thing that Brantley needs to establish, though, is his position as a leader on the Gator football team.
The first year under new head coach Will Muschamp will be a challenge to many on the Florida football team. If John Brantley can be effective, though, as a leader and starting quarterback, I believe it will give the offense a chance to be highly successful.
Contact Jacob Bunn via email at jacob@bunnsports.com
