Former Florida quarterback Shane Matthews joined 1010XL radio in Jacksonville on Tuesday to talk about the upcoming season for the Gators, and he made a comparison that will have Florida fans downright giddy. Talking about new offensive coordinator Kurt Roper, Matthews compared him to his former head coach.

"I love the way he coaches offense and coaches quarterbacks," Matthews said. "The little things he teaches reminds me a lot of how coach (Steve) Spurrier taught the passing game.

"Not saying that's what's going to happen, but the last time a guy came from Duke to call plays we did OK. Not saying Roper's going to be that successful, but I like what he's done. I think the players have responded to him and his offense. I think they're excited because he's going to give them an opportunity to make plays in space."

Matthews has been around the program a good bit lately, taking the time to sit in on some meetings with Roper in the spring and helping Roper coach up the quarterbacks at Florida's Friday Night Lights event over the summer. He senses a different air around the team coming off a 4-8 campaign, mostly thanks to what Roper has brought to Gainesville.

"This team is excited," Matthews said. "I think they're together, pretty healthy right now and actually have a lot of depth."