A Disappointing End for Gator Football Through the Eyes of Jawaan Taylor

Ending with pride

This past Saturday the Gators fell victim to another SEC loss. Losing to the Gamecocks brings their SEC record to 3-5. With an overall record of 3-6 on the season, it is evident the Gators could possibly not be competing in a bowl game this season.

The Gators came into this season with high hopes. For one, they had offensive weapons galore and a defense with raw talent. After a slew of suspensions and injuries, the Gators’ season has ultimately come to this. With little to show for, besides a miracle win against Tennessee and a solid outing against Vanderbilt, the Gators now turn their focus to other dilemmas.

The team is in need of a new head coach and possibly a new quarterback. After two straight blow outs and the loss to South Carolina; the way the Gators finish the season will impact the future. If the Gators can prove something on offense then the mess left for their next head coach might not seem like torture. However, if the Gators continue to struggle on offense it will be a tough task for McElwain’s permanent replacement. This goes hand in hand with the quarterback position. Although Feleipe Franks is young, he is still a risky investment that could take two to three years to pan out. Malik Zaire is a graduate student that may be past his prime as a college quarterback. Luke Del Rio will be a senior and has proven to be nothing special.

Jawaan Taylor Spotlight

Freshman All-SEC lineman Jawaan Taylor had a breakout season in 2016. He played in all 13 games and was the only freshman on the offensive line. Taylor earned Freshman All-American honors, selected to the Freshman All-SEC team and a memeber of ESPN All-SEC bowl team. Taylor is a bright spot on a wavering Florida offense. He holds down the front on the O-Line and can be moved around to a couple positions. As a Sophomore, Taylor will be around Gainesville for a while. He is a piece the team and the offensive line can build around. His breakout Freshman season was impressive but this year Taylor has been playing with a hindering injury.

Taylor was asked about the direction of the season and what he expects in this next game against UAB. He’s expecting the same atmosphere that has made The Swamp a feared place to play football. What the Gators need most right now is support from the fans. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is the perfect remedy for the Gators feeble efforts of late. If the fans show out and the players compete; the Gators may be able to eek a win out of UAB and FSU at home.