3 Biggest Questions the Florida Gators Must Answer as Fall Camp Begins

Year 2 of the Dan Mullen era in Gainesville started yesterday, as fall camp has officially gotten underway at Florida. The Gators went 10-3 last season, culminating in a Peach Bowl victory over Jim Harbaugh and Michigan. Even after all of that early success in Year 1, questions on offense and defense are plentiful, leaving Mullen and his coaching staff with a lot to answer before the Gators can be considered SEC contenders.

3. Can Kadarius Toney Turn Into A Dangerous Offensive Weapon?

It seems like Florida is always at their best when they have a do-it-all offensive weapon who can run the ball and catch passes with equal skill in the Percy Harvin mold. Toney, who recorded 260 receiving yards and 240 rushing yards, was briefly introduced into that role last year, but many in Gainesville think Toney can make the leap from gadget player to vital offensive cornerstone. Considering Jordan Scarlett is now a Carolina Panther, someone will have to replace his production.

2. Who Will Replace NFL-Bound Starters on Defense?

Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham is going to have to replace a lot of pro talent in 2019. Safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, linebacker Vosean Joseph, and pass-rusher Jachai Polite are currently with the Saints, Bills, and Jets, respectively. While the defense maintained defensive end Jabari Zuniga and potential first-round cornerback CJ Henderson, Grantham's aggressive, blitz-happy defense lost a swiss army knife safety, a violent, speedy linebacker, and a freakish pass rusher in one offseason. Replacing them is a tall order.

1. Will Feleipe Franks Evolve As a Passer?

Franks' first year under Mullen was demonstrably better than his freshman season, as he threw 24 touchdowns against only six picks, while rushing for seven more scores. However, Franks only completed 58 percent of his passes in a simple offense that doesn't ask him to make tons of complex throws. At 6-6 and 240 pounds with a strong arm, Franks has the tools to be among the best QBs in the SEC, but he needs to focus on becoming a precise, accurate passer. If he can't, Florida's ceiling is very much limited.