Burton Ready to Take the Field at The Swamp

During quarterback Tim Tebow’s first season at Florida, he barely threw the ball as Chris Leak’s backup. The then-freshman served mainly as a running threat when he was on the field and excelled in short-yardage situations when he had to lower his shoulder for the tough couple yards. Incoming freshman Trey Burton could see a similar role in his first year on the Gators.

Trey Burton enrolled early at UF after waiting for more than two years to take the field as a Gator after committing to them before his junior season.

He has spent most of the spring practice trying to learn the Gators’ complicated offense. From the plays to the snap calls, everything has been new to Burton.

Although he still has a long way to go, Burton may find his way onto the field early by offering a running option starter John Brantley can’t really bring to the table.

“If that’s my chance to get out there, that’s what I’m going to do,” Burton said of taking on a role similar to Tebow’s in 2006.

It might not just be the role that will look similar either. Like Tebow, Burton prefers to lower his shoulder on would-be tacklers.

“I wouldn’t want to do it any other way,” Burton said.

It’s a good thing he doesn’t mind the contact because Burton has been getting hit a lot in practice.

Despite the red jersey, Burton still has been tackled by the defense in 11 on 11 and scrimmages. And he doesn’t expect to be any different when he plays in the Orange and Blue Debut on Saturday.

“I got to get game speed, so I don’t have a problem getting hit,” Burton said. MbrScot Loeffler and head coach Urban Meyer.

“Coach is doing an unbelievable job. He has helped me out so much, and he is making life a lot easier on me,” Burton said.

One of the big knocks on Burton has been his throwing motion and his ability to be an effective passer at the college level. Something he has begun to work on in spring practice, but Burton has been more worried about learning the offense. He will really start working on his mechanics this summer.

“I think I have done alright, but I have so much work to do I’m not fooling anybody out here,” Burton said. “I can’t wait for the summer to start so I can start working on my mechanics.”