A Spring Surprise: Could the Key to Florida’s Passing Game Be Tight Ends Keeter And Zanders?
As much as Keeter impressed Thursday evening, his counterpart at tight end was equal, if not more impressive. Dante Zanders was on the receiving end of five of Richardson’s 18 completions for a total of 56 yards.
By LOREN MEADOWS
GatorBaitMedia.com Football Analyst
Anthony Richardson’s positive performance in the Orange and Blue game will dominate most of the news outlets. Another headline could easily be the fresh faces that are making the most of their newfound positions. The Blue Team dominated the Orange and Dante Zanders and Noah Keeter were key parts of the offensive punch.
Prior to Spring practice, Gainesville native Noah Keeter was looking to find a place in the Florida program. After completion of Florida Football’s “IDENTITY” phase, the UCLA transfer wanted to “step in and fill a role” and eyed the Tight End room as his opportunity.
Committed to making a transition, Keeter spent spring break studying the offense on his own. The transition became more of a necessity as Florida saw injuries limit the availability of others at the position. With his learning curve accelerated, Keeter met with Tight Ends Coach William Peagler during Spring practice daily to strengthen his understanding of the position.
These efforts were rewarded Thursday evening as Keeter recorded a career changing day in his first appearance at Tight End. Keeter hauled in three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. With family and friends in attendance, Keeter’s touchdown fulfilled a childhood dream of crossing the goal line in the Swamp for the hometown Gators. “That’s [been] my goal since I was little. On my bucket list check for sure, but I’m ready to get more.”
As much as Keeter impressed Thursday evening, his counterpart at tight end was equal, if not more impressive. Dante Zanders was on the receiving end of five of Richardson’s 18 completions for a total of 56 yards.
Zanders, who Billy Napier described as “the story of the Spring,” has been a significant contributor after transitioning back to tight end from the defensive line. “Dante picked it up quickly,” Napier said. “He’s loose with great ball skills -- most importantly he’s consistent.” The 6-5, 260-pound redshirt junior from Boca Raton, who has yet to make a regular season reception at Florida, could have a major role in an offense that relies on not just the ability to catch the football, but also capable blockers at the point of attack.
Based on what we saw Thursday evening, Coach Napier’s offense will require the tight ends to handle a lot of information and responsibility. Zanders should continue to play a major role as the Gators evolve. “He’s a godsend,” said Napier, as he continued to talk about his Junior tight end.
Given their surprising but solid performances, Noah Keeter and Dante Zanders should allow for a sounder sleep for the Florida coaches. Added insurance from an unlikely pair.
Other Notes:
Receivers Trent Whittemore, Justin Shorter and Ja’Quavion Fraziers had solid outings. Whittemore totaled three catches for 36 yards on three targets. Shorter had three catches for 27 yards on three targets. Fraziers, targeted 11 times, caught five balls for 53 yards with a long of 24 yards for the Orange Squad.
Key Takeaways: The tight end was the most productive of the receiving positions, solid in catching the ball in short to medium yardage and blocking on the perimeter. It remains to be seen if a consistent vertical threat can emerge from this group in the future.
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