The longest touchdown play for Mark Thompson — or any UF tailback — last season came during the final game.
Thompson’s 85-yard catch in the Outback Bowl showed it is never too late to salvage a season, an insight he’s shared with Florida backup quarterback Malik Zaire.
“Keep his head up, you can’t get discouraged, especially in football,” Thompson said. “You just got to be ready to play when it’s time to play.”
Zaire’s chances are running out, and yet his time could be coming.
If nothing else, the Notre Dame graduate transfer will get a chance this week as interim coach Randy Shannon opens up the quarterback competition with struggling starter Feleipe Franks.