Emory Jones, Anthony Richardson discuss two-quarterback system with Tim Tebow

Double the quarterbacks, double the offense — at least, that’s how Dan Mullen and the Florida Gators have operated when both Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson are healthy.

Florida got off to a quick 2-0 start to the season under starting quarterback Emory Jones, but the emergence of Anthony Richardson — a 6-foot-4, 236-pound freshman whose athleticism is incredibly rare among quarterbacks — provided the Gators with an extra spark in that span. Ultimately, Mullen’s two-quarterback system was put on hold, as Richardson sustained an injury that sidelined him for Week 3 against Alabama and Week 4 against Florida. But come Week 5, Richardson will be available once again.

“It’s definitely good working with each other,” Jones said in an interview with Tim Tebow. “We’ve been doing this for about two years now. When I was here, I had people just take me under there wing, and when [Richardson] got here, that was my role for him.”

Although Richardson’s talent has cut into Jones’ snap share, Jones understands that having a second option might be in the best interests of the team. Plus, the quarterbacks have formed a strong relationship in pushing one another to improve.

“Our relationship, working together — I call it a one-two punch,” Richardson said to Tebow. “And people didn’t believe me when I said that, so now they can see when [Jones] is out there doing his thing, and I go out there.”

Jones echoed Richardson’s notion. He believes that as quarterbacks, it’s their duty to form a relationship and work together. However, he says their relationship stretches far past the football field.

“Just being quarterbacks in general — having that connection, going through all the hard times, workouts and meeting rooms with the team,” Jones said. “And that’s the other thing: we hang out a lot outside of football, so we also keep that connection going.”

Jones is coming off an excellent performance in Florida’s 38-14 win over Tennessee. He completed 21-of-27 passing yards for 209 passing yards and two touchdowns; all the while, he flashed athleticism that rivals only Richardson, as Jones ran for 144 yards on 15 carries.

“We both prepare the same way,” Richardson said. “So, when the time does come and we have to come out here and showcase that, we’re both ready to implement both of our [styles] into the game.”

When healthy, Richardson has tallied 100-plus yard rushing totals with ease. He provided a change-of-pace option from Jones against FAU in Week 1, a game in which he came off the bench and rushed for 160 yards and a touchdown on seven carries. One week later, against USF, Richardson had his most impressive performance in a Florida uniform: a completely mistake-free performance, putting up 152 passing yards and two touchdowns on a perfect three-for-three in the air, then another 115 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown on four carries.

“It’s been pretty smooth,” Jones said of adjusting to the two-quarterback system. “I’m pretty comfortable with it.”