In perhaps the most inspired play of Florida’s 33-29 loss to LSU, redshirt freshman Andre Debose returned a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown, cutting the Tigers’ lead over the Gators to 26-21.

For Debose, who has yet to live up to the endless Percy Harvin comparisons that have been thrust upon him, that touchdown could not have come at a better time.

After recovering from his season-ending hamstring injury in 2009, the Gator Nation expected big things from the prized recruit of Urban Meyer’s 2009 recruiting class.

However, Debose was given very limited playing time and had only six catches for 66 yards in Florida’s first five games.

Luckily for No. 4, the left foot injury to junior running back Jeff Demps’ forced Debose into service on kickoff returns and each game quickly became a “do or die” scenario for the young Florida speedster.

And in a big moment against the Bayou Bengals, Debose “did and didn’t die,” and if that isn’t enough for Meyer and Steve Addazio to make him an integral part of the offense, then the Florida faithful should prepare for continued offensive woes.

While he may not be the second coming of Percy Harvin, Debose is still very quick, can find holes easily, and will make defenders look silly in the open field.

“We identified an electric playmaker tonight,” Meyer told The Gainesville Sun. “Now we need him to do that more consistent and more often.”

If Meyer keeps giving Debose opportunities to make plays with the football in his hands, he will do just that and give Florida a much-needed home run threat.