Florida’s passing offense will be receiving a major boost in their upcoming game versus Kentucky, as tight end Kyle Pitts is slated to make his return to the gridiron after missing the last two weeks due to injury.
Pitts, who is widely considered the Gators’ best pro prospect, was a major part of the team’s offensive core before being sidelined in an ugly hit during the Georgia game that left him concussed and damaged his nose. The ugly collision that left him injured didn’t appear to be intentional, but rather the result of poorly directed momentum by the Bulldogs defenseman.
It was revealed later that he required surgery on his nose. Between the brain facial injuries, he was unable to return to action in UF’s subsequent games against Arkansas and Vanderbilt. Of course, no one player makes a team, but those wins were more difficult than expected.
Others stepped up their game admirably in his stead – particularly Trevon Grimes — but Pitts is Kyle Trask‘s favorite target and the team’s most skilled receiver. If he’s back to 100 percent strength, his presence on the field will be felt as the Gators take on their next opponent. In his four healthy outings to open the season, he averaged 5.5 receptions per game and 16.1 yards per catch.
50/50 balls don’t exist with Kyle Pitts
— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 7, 2020
A side effect of this news is that having all his best pass-catchers available only boosts Trask’s chances of putting up the big numbers needed to win the Heisman Trophy. He’s become the frontrunner in the chase for the award and led a record-setting passing offense in the process. Getting that offense back to firing on all cylinders could be exactly what cements his candidacy.
It’s entirely possible that coming off such a violent injury, Pitts will not be his usual dynamic self for the Gators on Saturday. Nonetheless, getting him back on the field is an absolute win for Dan Mullen and Florida’s football program as they are eyeing a spot in the college playoffs.
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