5. Dan Mullen still emphasizing fun
“It’s a spring game. We gotta have some fun while we’re out here.”
That’s what Dan Mullen shared before the start of the 2019 spring game. Lest fans think he was coach-speaking, the first play of the game proved he was serious as Kadarius Toney took a reverse and threw a beautiful, over-the-shoulder spiral down the right sideline to an open Feleipe Franks. The successful trick play led to the first of many touchdowns less than three minutes into the game.
Trick plays, lots of points, elaborate celebrations – all could be found during the spring game.
When he first arrived in Gainesville, Mullen knew he needed to fix the offense, but he also knew he needed to infuse the Gator program with a sense of energy and excitement. “Everything around the program needs to get back to being fun,” Mullen explained during the 2018 SEC media days.
Mission accomplished so far. No one will argue that the 2018 campaign saw the return of the long-lost fun and swag; in fact, Mullen dancing on the sideline may be the most recognizable moment from last season.
Gators up 31-0@CoachDanMullen right now: pic.twitter.com/BZxUnvkZ8C
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 2, 2018
It’s clear following the spring game that continuing to nurture the positive momentum and growing the excitement surrounding the program will be emphasized. Smiles could be found everywhere in the Swamp from the coaching staff to former Gator Greats who made appearances (Lito Shepherd and Chris Doering, specifically).
“The juice is back. The edge and the pride of being a Gator,” said ESPN’s Kevin Negandhi after wrapping up a game that will surely keep the offseason good times rolling in Gainesville.