Florida Gators: Offensive Players Who Need To Step Up In Outback Bowl

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Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators tight end DeAndre Goolsby (30) runs the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Tony Brown (2) during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

5. DeAndre Goolsby

Position: Tight End
Class: Junior
2016 Season Statistics: 36 REC, 315 YDS, 2 TD

The Florida Gators received a pleasant surprise when tight end DeAndre Goolsby stepped up with a career-best performance against the Alabama Crimson Tide. He was one of the few players whom Austin Appleby managed to find on a consistent basis.

If the Gators are going to defeat the Iowa Hawkeyes, then Goolsby must continue to find openings and enable check-down throws when the pocket collapses.

Goolsby pulled in seven receptions for a season-high 91 yards and a touchdown against the vaunted Crimson Tide. It was one of the few reasons to be optimistic about an otherwise forgettable SEC Championship Game.

The obvious question is: can Goolsby continue to develop into the next great Gators tight end by having a signature moment in a bowl game?

It’s worth noting that Goolsby’s two touchdowns were scored against quality opponents: Alabama and the Tennessee Volunteers. Thus, it’s hard to accuse him of being afraid of the moment, even if consistency has been elusive.

Appleby will be tasked with moving the ball downfield, which makes Goolsby’s versatility on short and intermediate routes invaluable to team success.

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