This is the second part of a three-part series in which Theater of Operations will look at the quarterback position. First, we profiled John Brantley, and now it's Jeff Driskel's turn.
During the course of the season, there was a lot of conversations about Jeff Driskel on here and throughout the Gator Nation. Most of those conversations were on the subject of whether or not Driskel (or his counterpart Jacoby Brissett) should be the starting quarterback for next season. While my opinion on the matter is widely known, I'm done politicking on the issue.
Whether or not you yourself believed that Driskel (or Brissett) played good or bad, with happy feet or good judgement, this article probably isn't going to sway your opinion either way. Just look at it for what it is. And no, it's not just for wasting time. Trust me on that. Because if it was, I wouldn't be spending the time on them that I do.
What can't be denied though, is the fact that Driskel's season left a lot to be desired. He completed under fifty percent of his passes, threw no touchdowns and two interceptions and aside from moments in the Auburn game, he looked completely lost. Next year is the year right?
Play No. 1: Driskel's interception against Florida Atlantic:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Again with the play-action plays. Driskel (yellow circle) is going to execute that aspect of the play perfectly.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Just like I said, perfect (yellow square).
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
As Driskel releases the ball (left yellow circle), he has to realize that he is throwing into triple coverage. The three defenders (green circles) are in perfect positions. One of them is underneath the receiver, one of them is situated over the top and the third one is right where the receiver is going.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
The ball is so badly overthrown, that a fourth defender (green square) who was not even originally pictured makes the interception. Notice his positioning compared to the target receiver. Yeah, they aren't really all that close.
Play No. 2: Driskel's interception against Kentucky:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
I'm still not sure how much of the blame for this interception you can place on Driskel (yellow circle). I'm around the 0.05% range. Because, it was a good throw (albeit into coverage), it was just a better hit on Frankie Hammond Jr.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Driskel (yellow square) has great protection and is able to step up and make the throw.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
The throw hits Hammond Jr in stride (yellow square) but the Kentucky defense just makes a great play.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
However, Hammond Jr. is hit (yellow square), the ball (red circle) flies up into the air and right into the hands of Avery Williamson (green square). Is this actually the fault of Driskel? I don't think so.
Play No. 3: Driskel is sacked by Corey Lemonier of Auburn:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Driskel (yellow circle) was sacked twice by the Auburn defense. Well, more specifically he was sacked twice by Corey Lemonier. But, in my opinion, neither one was Driskel's fault.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
After getting the snap, Driskel (yellow circle) begins to roll slightly to his right. But, Xavier Nixon (yellow square) gets beat for like the three-hundredth time of the season to this point.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
If Driskel is going to get rid of the ball, the time is now. Lemonier is on the move (yellow square).
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Yeah, Driskel (yellow square) has no chance.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
But Nixon (yellow square) shows us all who is to blame. The other sack on Driskel in this game, occurred when the clock ran out. Now, maybe Driskel did in fact hold onto the ball too long, but the Gators were down 17-6 so it wasn't like the play mattered all that much.
In a season where Driskel didn't have too many highlights, his best play was probably his 31-yard run against Alabama. With a new offensive coordinator, Driskel is going to have a shot to become the starting quarterback. If he can just settle down a bit, he has a very good chance of earning that starting job. He has all the tools you'd want in a quarterback. At this point though, we'll just have to wait until spring practice to see if any improvement has been made.