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Florida Football: 5 takeaways from Gators’ 2018 season

By Connor Muldowney

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Dan Mullen of the Florida Gators reacts in the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Dan Mullen of the Florida Gators reacts in the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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The 2018 season was a successful one for Florida football, making a New Year’s Six Bowl. But what did we learn from the Gators in 2018?

Dan Mullen did exactly what he was hired to do at Florida: win. The former Mississippi State head coach took the job in Gainesville because it gave him a better shot to win the SEC and he took a step in the right direction during the 2018 campaign.

Though the Gators may not be “back” like they were in the Urban Meyer days, Florida still managed 10 wins and a Peach Bowl blowout of Michigan.

Florida is a step closer to competing for SEC titles and the Gators may just be there in 2019 when football resumes.

All forecasting aside, what did we learn from the Gators’ 2018 season?

5. Gators need a true No. 1 receiver

Feleipe Franks was trying to develop a No. 1 receiver all year long and he had a tough time with guys like Van Jefferson and Trevon Grimes fighting for that distinction.

Did either one step up and become a clear No. 1 target for the junior quarterback? Not really, which makes the 2019 season even more important for the Gator offense. Both should be returning along with Josh Hammond, Freddie Swain and a guy who looked to be a No. 1 option heading into the season but took a step back, Tyrie Cleveland.

Florida needs to find a No. 1 receiver but it doesn’t look likely to join in the 2019 class as the top wide out coming in is three-star Ja’markis Weston. Maybe former four-star, and top 2018 signee, Jacob Copeland can grow into that role next year.

Either way, this offense needs a go-to target in the passing game.

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