Emory Jones named top breakout quarterback candidate in 2021

After three years of sitting in waiting, it is finally time for Emory Jones to be Florida’s starting quarterback. Anthony Treash of Pro Football Focus lists Jones as one of his top breakout quarterback candidates for the 2021 season.

Jones could be one of the top dual-threat weapons in the nation

Throughout his three seasons with Florida, Jones has sat behind Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask. In limited action, Jones has completed 64 percent of his passes for 613 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. On 92 attempts, Jones has run for 514 yards and six touchdowns.

Jones brings a different dynamic to the quarterback room for Florida. Last season, Kyle Trask completed nearly 69 percent of his passes with 43 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Trask is more of a traditional pocket passer with little rushing ability. Jones, though, is the opposite. His ability to use his legs to create offense will be a key part of Florida’s quarterback play.

Anthony Treash and Pro Football Focus are high on Jones entering the season. Gators head coach Dan Mullen could have a great time calling plays for his new quarterback.

“An elite athlete for a quarterback, Jones has also flashed some real-deal arm talent, producing an 80.6 passing grade across 87 career attempts. He pairs that with a two-year 81.7 rushing grade on 76 carries,” Treash wrote. “Head coach Dan Mullen, one of the best offensive play-callers in the country, has a penchant for dual-threat quarterbacks like Jones. If there is anyone who can put Jones in a position to succeed, it’s him.”

Jones has impressed Mullen so far in camp

As Florida transitions from Trask to Jones at quarterback, Jones has had a relatively smooth transition to being the starter. Jones’ familiarity with the offense due to him being around the program for three seasons has helped ease his transition.

“I think he has a really good grasp,” Mullen said of Jones. “He obviously has a really good grasp of the offense. He’s been around for a couple years. I think it’s getting into more of how to function, how to use the offense. Constantly on accuracy, balance, making all these different types of throws that he needs to make. And his comfort level in how to make plays and when to make plays.”

Florida is set to begin their season on September 4 at home against Florida Atlantic. Jones will have a tough test early in the season as Florida’s new quarterback when the Gators host Alabama in week three.