Name: Alvin Bailey

Height: 5-11

Weight: 185

Position: WR

Why did he redshirt?

Simply put, Bailey wasn’t ready to play wide receiver at the college level. A talented athlete, Bailey played quarterback at Seffner Armwood High School and wasn’t ready to compete at what was basically (he played receiver in 7-on-7 tournaments) a new position, especially in a pro-style offense where receivers coach Joker Phillips put a new emphasis on timing and precise route-running.

Depth at the position

Currently the Gators have nine scholarship receivers and two on the way. So, on paper, there is a lot of depth at the position.

However, it doesn’t take a football junkie to look at the team last season and come to the conclusion that while the numbers are good, the Gators are still searching for playmakers.

Quinton Dunbar will play, that we know. Ahmad Fulwood will likely earn the starting job across from him, we think. Other than that it’s wide open.

Player Evaluation

A smaller receiver, Bailey projects to fit in as a slot guy at Florida.

He’s quicker than fast but can be dynamic with the ball in his hands. Get this kid the ball in space and he can make things happen. The Gators haven’t been able to effectively get anyone the ball in space for quite some time but new offensive coordinator Kurt Roper has shown a propensity to get a lot of production out of little.

2014 Prognosis

Joker Phillips will still harp on running crisp, timely routes — not Bailey’s strength — but with a quicker, more spread out offense it isn’t as critical. Bailey is a guy that can have some set packages specifically designed for him — bubble screens, jet sweeps etc.

He’s a smaller, quicker receiver who can make people miss in space and potentially a weapon for Roper to use as the Gators look to bounce back in 2014.

Everyone will start with a clean slate this spring and Bailey will have a chance to earn playing time in Florida’s revamped offense.