As a Florida football fan, I have witnessed the ups and downs that have followed the Gator team. From the peak of the Urban Meyer age and two national championships, to the ever so average Muschamp era, the Gator football team is on the rise of becoming the unbelievable team we all remember.

With the season starting game just around the corner, it is important to know key players, information on the offense and defense, and what it’s going to take to have a successful season.

So what makes a great football team, you ask? A better than average quarterback. This type of quarterback carries the team on and off the field.

While I won’t touch on our history with quarterbacks, it is necessary to believe in our recently named starting quarterback Luke Del Rio. Oregon State Transfer Del Rio quickly gained attention during the summer and fall with his accurate passes and pro-style skills.

Son of NFL coach Jack Del Rio, Luke has had the opportunity to basically shadow Peyton Manning while his father served as an assistant coach for the Denver Broncos.

As for the Florida defense that was ranked eighth in the nation last year, well they’re projected to perform just as well, if not better. Despite having lost key defensive players such as Johnathan Bullard and Antonio Morrison, the defense will remain rock solid with the help of Cece Jefferson and Bryan Cox Jr. The defensive line is locked and loaded.

What about the loss of Vernon Hargreaves III and Keanu Neal? No worries – The secondary will remain just as strong with cornerback Jalen Tabor and strong safety Marcus Maye.

With the cost of last year’s placekicker Austin Hardin who made less than half of his field goal attempts, Eddy Pineiro now leads the way. Eddy Pineiro is a former Alabama commit and also known for his 77-yard field goal, which is highlighted on YouTube. Let’s just say our stress levels should be significantly lower this year.

Head coach Jim McElwain has been the major key to the turnaround of the Florida Gators. From his initial season as head coach, he led the Gators to their first SEC East title since 2009. McElwain brought fresh and exciting energy to the program as he sold out almost every game in the Swamp and remains one of the major masterminds in facility advancements around campus.

If we want to have a successful season, the main focus remains on the QB game. McElwain handles the job of developing a quarterback who can successfully operate in the pocket and win games of course.

The Gator defense will continue to be one of the nation’s best, and the kicking portion of the games will be much more promising.

I’m motivated to say that it’s going to be a good year for the Florida Gators.