Florida opens fall camp on Friday. Coming off a 7-6 campaign, and with a young nucleus of talent, there will be plenty of competition to watch as camp begins in Gainesville.
Here’s a look at three position battles to keep an eye on as the Gators head into 2012:
1. Quarterback
Top contenders: Jeff Driskel, Jacoby Brissett
How far the Gators go in 2012 could depend on finding a reliable starter at quarterback. It’s a two-man race, and it appears to be dead even heading into camp. Driskel and Brissett have a lot in common. They are sophomores, they struggled in limited action in 2011 and they are dual-threats. One needs to take charge in 2011. Combined, they threw six interceptions to just two touchdowns last season. The one who makes the best decisions and shows the most command of the offense in fall camp will likely get the nod.
2. Wide receiver
Top contenders: Andre Debose, Latroy Pittman, Quinton Dunbar, Frankie Hammond, Solomon Patton
The lack of a top-flight quarterback has been a hindrance to the Gators’ passing game in recent years, but so has the lack of overall quality at wide receiver. They have experience at that spot heading into 2012, but coach Will Muschamp will be looking for two or three guys to really step up here. Debose showed a glimpse of big-play ability in 2011 with 16 catches for 432 yards -- an impressive average of 27 yards per catch. Dunbar was second among the returning wide receivers in production in 2011 with 14 receptions for 216 yards. Pittman, a true freshman, was highly recruited and will look to find a spot in the rotation in fall camp.
3. No. 2 Cornerback
Top contenders: Cody Riggs, Jaylen Watkins, Loucheiz Purifoy
Sophomore Marcus Roberson should be the top cornerback. On the other side, the Gators have several quality options to step into the No. 2 cornerback spot. Riggs, who started 10 games in 2011, might be the early favorite, but Purifoy, who has great size at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, could push for the job in camp. Watkins could also be a factor after starting eight times in 2011. Regardless, the Gators will use all three in various packages, but finding a second reliable corner will be an interesting battle to watch.
For more up-to-the minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Larry Hartstein and Daniel Lewis, follow @CBSSportsSEC.
