Florida Football: 5 bold predictions for the 2017 season

1. Feleipe Franks is named the SEC Freshman of the Year

Many fans, this writer included, were shocked when they heard the news that Felipe Franks was named the Florida Gators starting quarterback less than a week before the team’s week one game against Michigan, but after some analysis it makes perfect sense.

Franks, a 4-star, pro-style recruit from Crawfordville Florida, has spent his first season in Gainsville in coach McElwin’s quarterback room, learning the ins and outs of the Gator’s pistol spread offense.

While redshirt players obviously can’t take in-game reps during the season, they do get to practice with the team, and build chemistry with its position players both off and on the field.

And now it’s clear that McElwain believes that his young signal caller has the tools needed to be a cornerstone of his offense for years to come. After cycling through a small army of quarterbacks in his first two years as the Gator’s head coach, it’ll be nice to have some consistency at the position.

Starting a freshman is not without its challenges, but Franks is entering a situation that is very conducive to his immediate success.

Franks will be the lone freshman starting for the Gator’s offense, with a veteran offensive line in front of him, and a stable of experienced ball handlers spread out across the field. This collection of players should help to boost Franks confidence and encourage him to allow his receivers to make plays, instead of playing the game too conservatively, or recklessly.

Additionally, Franks will also have a freshman quarterbacks best friend in 2017: one of the nations best defenses. A stingy Gator defense will insure that Florida remains competitive in every game they suite up for, and wont force Franks to have to outscore his opponents.

Next: Feleipe Franks named Gators’ Week 1 starter

If Feleipe Franks is able to take advantage of the system he has inherited, he has the tools needed to be the best rookie signal caller in the entire nation, and a shoe-in to be named the SEC’s Rookie of the Year Award.