The Florida Gators will kickoff their 2012 football campaign in two weeks versus Bowling Green with many positions up for grabs on the offense. Quarterback is still being sorted out and wide receiver is a mystery. One position that seems full of promise is the tight end position.
Alligator Army's Andy Hutchins attended the Gators' open practice on Saturday, and while Jordan Reed has been tabbed as the starter, there's plenty behind him that are capable of contributing in a major way.
Jordan Reed and Colin Thompson were not practicing with the tight ends, but Florida suddenly has an embarrassment of riches at the position. Tevin Westbrook and Clay Burton are loads, and Westbrook looks to have better hands than one would expect from a converted DE, and Kent Taylor runs very well and could function as a bigger wide receiver in passing situations. I wouldn't trust Taylor to block SEC defenders, as he's a bit slight, but I liked what I saw from him in the open field.
With the quarterback position still in flux, the tight ends will have to step up to be a bailout option for whomever takes the snaps in week one.
For more on Gators football, visit Florida blog Alligator Army, plus SEC blog Team Speed Kills and SB Nation Tampa Bay.