Colleges

UF starter the X factor this spring

Coach Ron Zook has more pressing issues than naming Gators No.1 quarterback.

By ANTONYA ENGLISH, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 12, 2003

GAINESVILLE -- Spring practice ends today with the annual Orange and Blue game, and the most pressing question facing Florida still is unanswered.

Who will take over for former Heisman Trophy runner-up Rex Grossman?

After 14 practices, freshman Ingle Martin and redshirt freshman Gavin Dickey are competing to be the starter, but neither has stepped up and taken control. Added to the mix is redshirt freshman Patrick Dosh, who has had a few good outings, including a solid performance in last Saturday's scrimmage.

In a perfect world, coach Ron Zook and his staff would have a leading candidate as they head into summer.

"You would like to see one (grasp the job)," Zook said. "I hope it's that easy. I hope somebody just reaches out and snatches it. That's why we let them go."

It's not likely Zook will name a starter soon no matter what happens in today's game, which kicks off at 1 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Since nobody has dominated and with the expected arrival of USA Today national offensive player of the year Chris Leak this summer, naming a starter isn't a top priority.

"I'm not in a hurry," Zook said. "I don't think it's important to say, 'Okay, hey, we've got a starting quarterback now.' That's not something that's important to me right now. What's important to me is that they all get better and we get better as a football team."

Martin, who was thrown into punting duties last season, has led the first team. At 6 feet 3, 219 pounds, he has size, a fairly strong arm and proven leadership.

"I think I have made huge strides," Martin said. "I came out here and threw pretty well the first couple of weeks. Since then, I have tried to keep going as much as I could. You obviously want to get better every time you come out on the field, and that's what Coach Zook and (offensive coordinator Ed) Zaunbrecher want out of us and that's what I've been trying to do. Hopefully, we'll see at the end of the spring that I've done that."

Dickey, who was part of the scout team last season, is running the second team. He has great scrambling ability but, at 5-11, has to overcome being labeled as undersized. Dickey dismisses it, saying his biggest challenge is getting more acquainted with the offense, not finding his way over bigger linemen.

"I've been worried about getting a lot of reps this spring and trying to make the most of them," he said. "I think it's been a great learning experience during the spring, getting better and going out and being able to compete. ... I feel like I have a lot to prove this Saturday, and I'm going out and try to do my best."

Each quarterback knows it's important to make a strong impression before summer.

"No job, as far as the quarterback, can be won this spring," Martin said. "Somebody may come out ahead going into the fall, but I don't think you win the job outright."

At least not this spring.

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