Ranking the Top-5 Florida Gator Quarterback Transfers
Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) throws the ball during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Missouri Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
At a position as high-profile as quarterback, many collegiate teams can get as deep as six guys on the depth chart.
Of those six, usually two or three of them are actually in the hunt for the starting job. If the starter is flat out terrible or gets hit with the injury bug, then the backup and third-string are given their chances to shine.
A perfect example is Cardale Jones of Ohio State. He started as the third-string QB entering the 2014 season, but after some crucial injuries, he finally got his opportunity and ended up leading the Buckeyes to a National Championship.
However, not all cases are even close to Jones’.
For the most part, the star QB does stay healthy, holds down his position for three or four seasons, and then bolts for the NFL Draft when his stock has peaked.
For the Florida Gators, it is a complete toss-up as to who will start under center come September 5 against New Mexico State.
For walk-ons Jacob Guy and Brian Fallace, along with transfers Luke Del Rio and Josh Grady, the prospect that they might never see the field in a Gator uniform is a very frightening and a sad reality.
Related: Treon Harris or Will Grier for starting QB role?
With these four in mind and former Gator starters Jeff Driskel and Sklyer Mornhinweg transferring to Louisiana Tech and Columbia, respectively, I thought it would be fitting to take a look back in Gator history at some notable quarterbacks who started at Florida but finished elsewhere.
Whether it was off-the-field issues, disagreements with coaching, injuries, or just dissatisfaction with playing time, all of the players on this list had their reason for leaving the University of Florida.
So let’s turn back the clocks and take a look at the top-5 QBs to ever leave the Florida Gator football program.
Honorable Mention: Jacoby Brissett (2011-2012)
Next: No. 5 Ingle Martin