Florida Gators quarterback Jack Miller undergoes thumb surgery

Florida‘s second-string quarterback Jack Miller is dealing with an injury to his right thumb that has required surgery, according to the Orlando Sentinel’s Edgar Thompson. While Miller wasn’t expected to play a major role in the Gators offense in 2022, Florida is now unexperienced under center behind Anthony Richardson until he returns.

During the 2020 recruiting cycle, Miller was labeled as a four-star prospect, per the On3 Consensus. He holds the state of Arizona’s single-season passing record with 3,653 passing yards and 53 touchdowns, eventually committing to (and eventually transferring from) Ohio State.

Now, either redshirt freshman Jalen Kitna, or true freshman Max Brown will find themselves backing up Richardson – which means they have to be ready when their number’s called.

In 2021, Richardson missed two games with a pulled hamstring and three more with knee injuries. Ultimately, he would get surgery on his knee, which forced him to miss the Gasparilla Bowl. He rehabbed and returned in the spring, saying he feels healthier than ever – but still poses a worry about the possibilities if he were to go down again this season.

Billy Napier wants to see more efficiency from Florida’s quarterbacks

The Florida Gators feel confident in Anthony Richardson as their starting quarterback in 2022. At the same time, they need to see him develop as a quarterback after flashing potential in 2021. While speaking to the media, head coach Billy Napier explained that he wants to see more efficiency from the team’s quarterbacks. 

This came after the offense struggled to score on the team’s defense during a scrimmage. 

“I think that we didn’t score touchdowns in the red area,” Billy Napier said. “That was an objective that we didn’t meet on offense. And I think the defense obviously contributes to that. But, overall, we did turn it over a few times. So, the quarterback efficiency wasn’t what we want it to be.”

Billy Napier did point out that there are contributing factors to this in a preseason scrimmage. For instance, you’re playing with a relatively open and changing lineup. At the same time, you need your quarterbacks to be sharp.

“But, it could be better, that’s what I would say,” Billy Napier concluded.