The Gators' spring gleaning

Before the start of Florida's spring football practice, veteran beat writer Robbie Andreu presented five key topics the Gators needed to address. With only a few practices and the spring game to go, Andreu takes a look at what has happened in those five crucial areas:

1. Who replaces Percy?

The goal: Find a playmaker in the receiver group who can produce some Percy Harvin-like stuff.

What's happened: Well, not much. As a group, the receivers have been OK, and Deonte Thompson and Carl Moore showed signs of breaking out in last Saturday's scrimmage, but no one is filling the Percy role at this stage. The Gators may end up doing this by committee, like they did in the SEC title game last December. The coaches also are eager to see what true freshman Andre Debose brings in the fall.

2. Offensive tackle positions up for grabs

The goal: Establish two new starting tackles to replace Jason Watkins and Phil Trautwein.

What's happened: Despite a rash of injuries on the offensive line, we've gained a pretty clear picture of who the staring tackles likely will be next season. Carl Johnson has been the No. 1 left tackle throughout the spring, while Marcus Gilbert has held down the starting role at right tackle. Offensive line coach Steve Addazio said both have had excellent springs, and that Johnson appears on the brink of becoming a big-time player. He also can move inside and play guard. Matt Patchan just returned from a knee injury last week and will be a factor at one of those positions in the fall.

3. Developing the quarterbacks

The goal: Improve the throwing mechanics and footwork of Tim Tebow and John Brantley.

What's happened: Based on what the quarterbacks are saying (and how they've been throwing the football), new quarterback coach Scot Loeffler has made a huge difference. After lighting it up in Saturday's scrimmage, Brantley said Loeffler has dramatically improved his game. As for Tebow, he's no longer dropping down and throwing side-armed, and there seems to be more velocity on his throws. Both QBs have definitely improved.

4. Searching for some defensive tackles

The goal: With the absence of injured Brandon Antwine and the departure of John Brown and Torrey Davis, UF needed some tackles to step up alongside Lawrence Marsh.

What's happened: The coaches are feeling much better about the DT positions now than they were at the start of spring. Sophomore Jaye Howard has been consistently good and is a real physical presence at 300-plus pounds. Probably the most encouraging thing has been the recent emergence of redshirt freshman Omar Hunter, who is healthy and starting to show flashes of his immense potential. With injured players Brandon Antwine and Terron Sanders returning in the fall, the Gators should be in solid shape here.

5. Looking for help at tight end

The goal: Find a No. 2 tight end to develop (and play) behind Aaron Hernandez.

What's happened: The Gators thought they had their man midway through the spring with the emergence of true freshman Desmond Parks, the only other scholarship tight end on the roster. He was showing a lot of ability as a pass receiver and was so impressive that Hernandez called him a freak in the mold of Cornelius Ingram. Unfortunately, Parks injured his knee last week and is out until midway through the summer. Missing the second half of spring is a setback, but he should be in a position to spell Hernandez at times next season.