Florida helps QB depth with addition of Purdue transfer Appleby
As a means to boost the depth at the quarterback position, Jim McElwain and the Florida Gators have chosen to accept the transfer of former Purdue quarterback Austin Appleby. Via a report from Rivals.com, Appleby enrolled at the university on Monday.
The 6'5", 239-pound signal-caller from Ohio is a true pocket passer. He does possess surprising mobility for a man of his stature, but Appleby's success primarily comes when delivering the ball down the field.
He started parts of the last two seasons for Purdue. In only five games of action this past year, Appleby threw for 1,260 yards and eight touchdowns. However, he was victimized by eight interceptions, and completed passes at a 57.5-percent clip.
Being a graduate transfer, Appleby will come in right away and compete with Treon Harris and Luke Del Rio for the starting quarterback job. It was imperative for Florida to get an experienced option into the mix -- considering Harris' struggles a season ago, the uncertainty surrounding Del Rio, and the departure of Will Grier.