Florida Gators Wide Receiver Competition

Quinton Dunbar is the defacto starting receiver for the Florida Gators. He has a good amount of talent, but had troubles getting the ball last season because of the inept passing offense. I predict the passing game will improve this season, therefore Dunbar's stats and effectiveness should also improve. It would not hurt if he put on a little weight because he is a little light, but that has not hurt him, in terms of injury, because he played in every game last season and the season before, dating back to the Furman game. Dunbar is young so he should be around for a while longer and continue to improve. If he can work on his route running throughout the summer, there is no reason why he cant put up much better numbers in the upcoming season. He will likely be the number one target because Jordan Reed left for the draft.

Latroy Pittman played in every game last season, sans South Carolina, and it looks as if he will be a starter this season. He is only 5-11, which makes him very undersized for a receiver, but he is elusive and quick. If he could combine that with good route running, he could be a very good receiver in the future. I dont know if he will be able to hold onto his starting spot into the season, but it will be interesting to see how he turns out.

Demarcus Robinson, a true freshmen, burst out onto the scene during spring practices. Everyone knew, when he was signed, that he would be a good receiver for the team in the future. However, he showed coaches that he would be able to compete right away and they rewarded him by putting him fairly high up on the depth chart. He is 6-2 200 pounds, although that is not big in general, it is big for a Gators receiver and he has room to grow. If he can fill out his frame he could be a a great receiver for the future and even now.

Andre Debose was in the dig house last season, but he pulled through during spring camp and it looks as if he might actually have a role in the offense. By no means is it going to be a major role, but it will certainly be bigger than the one he had last season. He will never reach the potential he should have when he was recruited, but it would be nice to see him have an impact.

Solomon Patton rounds out the depth chart at receiver for the Gators. He played well last season until he was injured in the Florida-Georgia game. He was dangerous on end arounds and I would not be surprised if he was used for those type of plays again this season.

The Gators have an overall weak receiving core, but there is some potential. Dunbar is good and he could develop into a nice number one receiver. I would not be surprised if Robinson became a starter before the season starter. He is certainly talented enough, he just needs to learn the offense a little better before he takes the next step. Latroy Pittman will likely be demoted to the third receiver, but he very talented and will be a nice weapon in the slot. I hope Debose sees a lot of snaps this season because I would like to see him reach his potential. I don't think it happens, but it would be nice to see him get the chance. Hopefully Patton can make a good recovery from his injury, but I think he will be buried on the depth chart, to start, because of it.