Florida Football: Top 5 spring 2019 position battles to watch

5. Wide Receiver

Depth is not a concern at the receiver position. Size, potential, experience – all traits this group brings to the offense in 2019.

The real question is how the coaches will spread reps among their copious weapons at receiver. For much of the 2018 campaign, Mullen struggled balancing the touches each player received. Consequentially, the passing game often felt out of sync and no one receiver broke through as a true playmaker. The final four games of last season, however, provided a window into what the passing game should look like when each receiver’s talent is concurrently highlighted and utilized complimentarily.

Beyond Van Jefferson who holds a concrete-grip as Florida’s top receiver, the depth chart remains a logjam of talent. Tyrie Cleveland returns from an injury that cost him a major chunk of 2018, Trevon Grimes and Jacob Copeland appear ready to take the next step, and the always-reliable Freddie Swain and Josh Hammond return for their senior seasons. Plus, Kadarius Toney shouldn’t get left behind in this group. If he’s able to develop into a more polished receiver, Toney could steal reps away from the others.

Finding a consistent secondary option to line up opposite of Jefferson will be crucial for the success of the starting quarterback and the offense as a whole. The Gators have plenty of talent, but they need someone to step up and standout during spring.