QB Chris Leak gets the nod after another erratic offensive effort.
By ANTONYA ENGLISH
Published September 23, 2003
GAINESVILLE - After four weeks of a two-quarterback rotation that has produced mixed results and a 2-2 record, Florida coach Ron Zook announced freshman Chris Leak will start Saturday at Kentucky.
He will replace redshirt freshman Ingle Martin, who has started every game while Leak generally played every third series.
"We're going to give Chris a shot to start," Zook said Monday night. "Let's let him run with it and see what he can do. We'll play it by ear. Ingle's got to be ready and he knows that. We've talked to Ingle about that. We'll give Chris a shot and we'll see how he handles it."
Florida scored one touchdown despite forcing three turnovers Saturday against Tennessee. Zook and the offensive coaches have come under attack for conservative playcalling and questions have arisen about whether the rotation alters the quarterbacks' rhythm.
"Going into the game it's not a rotation, but if Chris struggles and he has some problems I'm not afraid to stick Ingle in there," Zook said.
Martin left practice early for an exam, according to UF sports information officials, and Leak was not made available Monday night.
In four games, Leak is 34-of-49 for 359 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. His longest completion is 31 yards. Martin is 47-of-77 for 654 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. His longest pass is 50 yards. Last week Martin was sixth in the nation and second in the SEC in passing efficiency with a 140.05 rating.
Zook said he decided to make changes after reviewing film of Saturday's game: "I think this is just something that I would like to look at after looking at the game and we'll see what happens. Chris has done all I think he can probably do as a freshman. He's worked hard. All four of them (quarterbacks) have worked hard and I just want to see what Chris can do."
Kentucky coach Rich Brooks won't change his game plan. He said during Monday's media day that "it's not like their offense changes drastically" regardless of which quarterback is in.
Though individual performances weighed into his decision, Zook said that doesn't mean the rotation was a failure.
"Just like all the positions you're held accountable," he said. "Ingle's playing fine and like I said, if I had it to do over again what we've done I would do exactly what I've done. I don't think there's any doubt in my mind we've been doing the right thing."
