Inside The Playbook

The Top Three: Florida Gators head into the season feeling more confident

By: Lily Zhao

Here are three points of emphasis for the Gators heading into its annual Orange and Blue spring game.

1. One year later, he's one year wiser. It was a tumultuous first year for first-time head coach Will Muschamp, but the head Gator still has faith the team will be back in full force this season.

(bleacherreport.com)

"The physicality of our football team is much better than it was a year ago," Muschamp told the Gainesville Sun. "I can assure you of that. It needs to carry over to game day."

That was one of the points Muschamp emphasized heading into the back part of the 2011 season. Following a disastrous October month where the Gators went 0-4 and then ended its regular season losing 24-17 to archrival Florida State, Muschamp called his players soft.

He said they were a bend and break team with no sense of toughness.

Since then the team has been in the weight room working under a new regiment from new strength and conditioning coordinator Jeff Dillman.

"The kids see themselves getting stronger. It's carried over to spring practice. It's fun to watch Jon Bostic hit a guy in a hole and knock him back," Muschamp said. "Those are things where guys are seeing improvements."

2. Saturday's spring game will feature a spring rejuvenation.

This Gators team will feature fresh new faces on both sides of the ball. Fans who attend will be looking to see which quarterback, Jacoby Brissett or Jeff Driskel, can take the reigns. However, don't expect to know who will start the opener until the week of the first game.

Looking at the defensive side of the ball, UF's depth is much better this spring than last year. However, starters Dominique Easley and Lerentee McCray will be out for the spring following injuries. Their absence means players like junior linebacker Ronald Powell will get another chance to shine. This defense will once again be anchored by Jon Bostic.

On the offensive side of the ball, freshman wide receiver Latroy Pittman has impressed the coaches. The offense has been the main source of problems in the past, especially in the wide receiver corps. Aside from Andre Debose, Quinton Dunbar, Frankie Hammond Jr. and Solomon Patton, this is another area to pay attention to during the Orange and Blue game. This particular offensive unit has been plagued by inconsistent play and youth, so the scrimmage will be the first time to see young wide receivers like Ja'Juan Story and Pittman play.

3. There's a new man wearing the iconic No. 15. Loucheiz Purifoy, the sophomore cornerback from Pensacola, FL is carrying high expectations while wearing Tim Tebow's number.

(buckeyextra.com)

Purifoy is currently listed as a starter opposite Marcus Roberson, and is expected to shine in the secondary. Purifoy played in all 13 games last season, but an injury in training camp stunted his growth early on.

The 6-foot-1, 186-pound cornerback made an impact on kickoff coverage, recording a team-best 22 special teams tackles.

In the Gator Bowl against Ohio State, Purifoy had a career-best five tackles and caused his first career turnover. Expected to play in the Orange and Blue game, it'll be time for Purifoy to show he can handle the legendary number he wears.