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Five previous times Florida Football unexpectedly turned to their backup QB

Graham Mertz has a torn ACL and is out for the season

By Benjamin Henderson

Dec 30, 2019; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Kyle Trask (11) drops back to attempt a pass against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Dec 30, 2019; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Kyle Trask (11) drops back to attempt a pass against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images / Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
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2019

The season started out with Feleipe Franks needing a prove-it year in Gainesville. Franks did just enough to get Florida past Miami, but he fell behind Kentucky 21-10 before an ankle injury ended his night and his season with the Gators.

This served as the birth of Kyle Trask, who went on to lead a 19-point fourth quarter as Florida came back to win 29-21. Trask would go on to lead Florida to a 11-2 season in 2019 and were on the doorstep of the playoffs in 2020 before, well, you know.

Franks would transfer to Arkansas after the season and has spent time in the NFL with both Atlanta and Carolina. Trask was drafted by Tampa Bay, where he has been a backup for the Bucs since 2021.

2016

Luke Del Rio started the campaign after he had to sit out in 2015 due to transfer rules at the time. After a ho hum game against UMass to open the year, Florida pummled Kentucky and all seemed well.

Then Del Rio took a hit against North Texas and had to miss the game against Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Austin Appleby played well enough against the Volunteers, throwing for 296 yards and three touchdowns against one interception. Problem is the Gators gave up 38 points in route to blowing a 21-3 halftime lead.

Del Rio came back to beat Missouri and Georgia, but it was obvious he wasn't himself. After a 31-10 loss to Arkansas, Del Rio was shut down for the year. Appleby went on to beat South Carolina and LSU during the famous goal-line stand in Baton Rouge before losing to FSU and Alabama to close out the regular season.

Del Rio came back and replaced Franks in 2017 against Kentucky and also led a comeback. He was named the starter against Vanderbilt but broke his collarbone and never played another down. He has since gotten into coaching and is an analyst with the Washington Huskies.

Meanwhile, Appleby bounced around a couple of professional opportunities but has since settled into coaching. He is currently an analyst with UAB.

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