Fourth and goal: Four topics as the Florida Gators get closer to the Utah Utes
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators are just over two weeks away from kicking off the 2023 football season against the Utah Utes. The Gators just completed its first scrimmage of camp and came out of it with an answer at quarterback and some more clarity about the roster.
With two weeks of fall camp in the books, Gators Online takes a look at where the team stands, what we know, and what we still have questions about heading into the season.
Biggest remaining questions for the Gators
How will the defense rebound from last season?
The Gators’ defense struggled last season. Florida was 10th in the SEC in scoring, 12th in rush defense, 11th in passing defense, and 12th in total defense. Billy Napier brought in Austin Armstrong to run the defense and the Gators also have added depth to the unit, specifically on the defensive line.
“I’d probably say the depth is probably the best part, I would say this year we have a lot of guys that can play,” sophomore defensive lineman Chris McClellan said. “You got me, Caleb Banks, Cam Jackson, Des, Tyreak Sapp so we have a lot guys, Will Norman, that can get out there and play for us and that rotation is really going to — guys aren’t going to stay out there and get tired and not be able to compete throughout the game.”
The depth should help but we’re still eagerly anticipating seeing Armstrong’s defense this season.
Injury concerns throughout camp
Fall camp has been a grind for the Gators. Florida lost redshirt sophomore EDGE Justus Boone to an ACL tear during the first scrimmage. The list of injuries has included a number of players including sophomore cornerback Devin Moore, offensive linemen Lyndell Hudson and Richie Leonard, as well as tight ends Dante Zanders and Arlis Boardingham.
Other than Boone, none of the injuries appear to be serious or long term but the health of the Gators is something to keep an eye on as the season nears.
Position groups to be the most excited about
Running backs
This group is as good as advertised. The running back room returns more than 1,500 yards in Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne. They added Tulane senior Cam Carroll and true freshman Treyaun Webb. The group is deep and talented and they’ll be the focal point of the offense in 2023.
Freshmen receivers
It’s more specific than just one position group, but the three freshmen receivers are making an impact on the field already for Florida. Andy Jean and Aidan Mizell enrolled in the spring and Eugene Wilson joined this summer.
“I think Andy, Aidan, and Trey, all three, are verified fast. Receiver is still a very skilled position so it’s one thing to be fast and another to play fast,” Napier said of the group. “There’s a mental component here relative to my assignment, my technique, my adjustment to the coverage. Whether it’s steps or depth or landmarks on the field, I think we’re seeing them get comfortable.”
Mizell flashed and scored a touchdown in the first scrimmage. Wilson is working on special teams and has a unique skill set to bring to the slot. Napier singled Wilson out after the first fully padded practice last week.
The receiver room has talent but there is an opportunity for the freshmen to earn playing time and they appear to be on the way to do just that.
Transfers making moves
Graham Mertz
This one is obvious. The Wisconsin transfer won the starting quarterback job and will lead the Gators this fall. Mertz separated himself and has developed into a player that the team looks to for leadership. How he handles the spotlight that comes with being the quarterback at the University of Florida and how he operates the offense will play a huge role in the win-loss column.
Teradja Mitchell
From the quarterback of the offense to the quarterback of the defense. The sixth-year senior linebacker enrolled in spring and immediately ascended to the top of the depth chart.
“The physical ability is there, but I think the most important piece here is just the maturity, the leadership, the perspective on things. It’s almost a coach’s perspective,” Billy Napier said of Mitchell. “I think he’s a guy who’s played a lot of football. This guy was voted team captain at Ohio State and you go back to when we made the decision to recruit him and add him to the team, it’s a home run.”
Players that must step up
With the injury to Boone, the Gators will need someone to step up to replace him. There is a lot of depth to do it, just not a lot of experience.
“I think you’ve got the two true freshmen, obviously, their role will increase. Kelby Collins and Kamran James. There’s a number of players from a grouping standpoint that will be a factor. Tyreak Sapp, even Caleb Banks, to some degree, is a versatile player, and Jack Pyburn can play both sides. You can put Jack at ‘F’ so we’ve got confidence in the players but we’re going to have a little less experience. Justus brings some experience to the table and leadership in general. The challenge here will be replacing that.”
One of those players who could see more time is Jack Pyburn. The sophomore had multiple sacks in the scrimmage and earned high praise from his head coach.
“Jack is one of the more impressive young men that we have in terms of work ethic, self-discipline, he’s very motivated,” Napier said. “Jack is one of those guys who is at his best when the pads are on. He has a motor, he’s tough, he’s physical, he plays with effort and he’s a smart player. He has the respect of his teammates and the respect of the staff. This guy had probably one of the best offseasons if not the best of any player on our team in terms of body composition.”
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