A close look at Florida's offensive roster after Early Signing Day

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* TWO DAYS ONLY: 50% OFF AN ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

* Look at the defensive roster

* Early Signee In-Depth Analysis

* Former five-star transfers to Florida

* TDA: Grading Florida's early signees

* Thamel: Inside Mullen's hectic first signing day

* Reaction to Florida flipping Jones

* Florida an Early Signing Day Winner

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The word of the season for the Florida Gators football program could very well be “change”. A change in head coach, a change in most of the coaching staff, a change in the tone of the team and a change in the actual team.

While the end of each season and subsequent signing day allows for a natural change each year, the beginning of the 2018 season got another change with an early signing day—the first in a new experiment by the NCAA.

The more traditional signing day will still take place in February, further updating Dan Mullen’s first roster as Gators head coach. But after the December 20, 2017 signing day here is where the Florida roster on offense currently stands.

Returning: Felipe Franks, Kyle Trask, Jake Allen

Signees: Emory Jones

Need: 0-1

Subtractions: Malik Zaire, Luke Del Rio

The Breakdown: The position with the biggest question mark and largest set of expectations saw another player step onto the chessboard with the signing of Emory Jones. Allen was highly touted as a recruit but he was a Doug Nussmeier guy. Franks comes in as the incumbent but one with a rocky history that is posed for an unseating. While redshirting Jones would be ideal, if Mullen believes he has the pieces around the field to compete right away, don’t be surprised to see the 6-2, 195 pound duel threat new kid getting a shot.

Returning: Malik Davis, Lamical Perine, Adarius Lemons, Jordan Scarlett~

Signees: Dameon Pierce, Iverson Clement

Need: 0

Subtractions: Mark Thompson

The Breakdown: The running back stable came into the 2017 season without much hope and ended the year as one of the most productive units. Scarlett’s status is still up in the air and will be for some time. But if even a percentage of those returning perform as they already have then the Gators will be just fine in the run game. The addition of four-star Dameon Pierce will add depth that should eat up the ground.

Returning: Dre Massey, Josh Hammond, Freddie Swain, Daquon Green, Rick Wells, Tyrie Cleveland, Kadarius Toney

Transfers: Van Jefferson, Trevon Grimes

Signees: 0

Committed: Corey Gammage

Need: 2-4

Subtractions: Brandon Powell, Antonio Callaway, James Robinson

The Breakdown: Everything man Brandon Powell i=hass graduated, Antonio Callaway ran out of strikes and is heading to the NFL and James Robinson was diagnosed with a heart problem that ended his young career. These losses leave a wide receiver unit that is low on numbers and experience. While many of the returning players have seen game time, there hasn’t been an explosive playmaker save Tyrie Cleveland who was sidelined with injury the latter half of the season. The addition of transfers Jefferson and Grimes bring Power 5 experience to a group who will be searching for maturity. The talent is there; with the new faces, Cleveland’s return and a little bit of coaching this could be the breakout unit of 2018.

Returning: Moral Stephens, Kemore Gamble, C'Yontai Lewis

Signees: Dante Lang, Kyle Pitts

Need: 0

Subtractions: DeAndre Goolsby

The Breakdown: The tight end room will be without their veteran heading into spring ball now that DeAndre Goolsby has graduated. Stephens was able to contribute at times during 2017 but he and Lewis were second fiddle to Goolsby. Mullen and staff added two commits from the previous staff. The three-star and four-star guys will add depth and size to a group that can use both.

Returning: Martez Ivey~, Kavaris Harkless~, T.J. McCoy, Brett Heggie, Fred Johnson, Tyler Jordan, Jawaan Taylor, Nick Buchanan, Stone Forsythe, T.J. Moore, Kadeem Telfort, Andrew Mike, Jean DeLance

Signees: Noah Banks, Chris Bleich

Committed: Richard Gouraige

Need: 2-3

Subtractions: Antonio Riles

The Breakdown: As the off-season led into the 2017 season, there was a narrative that floated around college football about how the Gators offensive line was the most improved unit. About three weeks into the 2017 college football season a lot of pundits were forced to eat their words. The line struggled, showing improvement at times, then allowing for sacks off the edge that could’ve easily been avoided. The depth will be appreciated as the upperclassmen in the trenches look to set a tone of consistency that has been missing.

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~Notes player still eligible to declare for NFL Draft or may decide not to return for 2018 because they have graduated.

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