Del Rio Named Florida’s Starting Quarterback

With Florida’s season opener only 16 days away, Florida football coach Jim McElwain officially announced his decision to move forward with red shirt sophomore Luke Del Rio as the team’s starting quarterback.

Del Rio’s journey to a starting role has been unconventional, beginning his freshman year as a walk-on at Alabama before transferring to Oregon State in the spring of 2014. After earning the number two spot with the Beavers, Del Rio transferred to Florida and sat out the entirety of the 2015 season under NCAA transfer rules.

@Ldelrio12 to @_Powellbp4 earlier. I get the feeling I'm going to see this a lot in the fall @FLGatorNation_ pic.twitter.com/DNXGgNPkW2

— Charlie Jordan (@charliejordanuf) August 18, 2016

According to Del Rio, his familiarity with Florida’s offense is one of the advantages he had over fellow competitors Austin Appleby, Kyle Trask, and Felieipe Franks. In fact, Del Rio’s season with Alabama featured current Gator offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier as the quarterback coach and offensive coordinator.

The connections don’t stop there; Del Rio’s first scholarship offer came from none other than head coach Jim McElwain, who was coaching Colorado State at that time.

Meanwhile, Del Rio had all of last year to learn the ins and outs of McElwain’s system.

The commitment from Del Rio paid off, and now he’ll get a chance to shoulder Florida’s offense. Since 2011, Florida has had six former starting quarterbacks transfer to other programs.

Despite the revolving door at this position, Del Rio appears to be the perfect fit for McElwain’s pro-style, quick-passing scheme. With five talented Gator running backs vying for playing time and a beefed up offensive line, along with more depth at receiver, the Gators will look to improve their offense and perhaps earn a return trip to Atlanta as SEC East champs.

Del Rio’s first start will be September third, Florida’s home opener against Massachusetts.