Projected depth chart for Florida Gators before fall training camp
This week Gators Online previewed the Florida football roster for the 2023 season, which opens on Aug. 31 at Utah.
The Gators report for fall training camp on July 30 and hold their first practice July 31. They hold scrimmages on Aug. 10 and Aug. 18.
PART I: Top 3 strongest position groups for Florida Gators in 2023
PART II: Power rankings: Top 20 players on the Florida Gators roster
PART III: Biggest questions, bold predictions for each Florida position
PART IV: Top 5 position battles for Florida Gators in fall training camp
Here is Gators Online‘s projected depth chart heading into camp, which ends Aug. 22.
Quarterback
Starter: Graham Mertz
Backup: Jack Miller
The skinny: Billy Napier hasn’t settled on a starter yet, but Mertz is the clear favorite going into fall camp.
Running Back
Starter: Trevor Etienne or Montrell Johnson Jr.
Backup: Cam Carroll
The skinny: Regardless of who starts, Florida’s RB duo could rush for 150+ carries and 800+ yards apiece.
Receiver
X:
Starter: Caleb Douglas
Backups: Marcus Burke or Kahleil Jackson
The skinny: Douglas was pushing Xzavier Henderson for playing time and now takes over his starting job.
Z:
Starter: Ja’Quavion Fraziars
Backups: Aidan Mizell or Andy Jean
The skinny: Fraziars was the team’s No. 4 WR last year and replaces Justin Shorter in the lineup like he did at Texas A&M.
Y (Slot):
Starter: Ricky Pearsall
Backup: Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman or Eugene Wilson III
The skinny: Pearsall will continue to do damage in the slot, but it’s worth noting that he played outside receiver exclusively in the spring game. He may line up there more in 2023.
Tight End
Starter: Dante Zanders
Backup: Arlis Boardingham or Jonathan Odom
The skinny: Zanders is the veteran of the room and Boardingham could emerge at the position this fall, especially if Odom is limited coming off injury.
Defensive End
Starter: Justus Boone
Backup: Kelby Collins
The skinny: There’s buzz about a potential breakout year from Boone. Collins will also see the field as a freshman.
Defensive Tackle
Starter: Caleb Banks
Backup: Tyreak Sapp
The skinny: Banks and Sapp should be a great one-two punch and Chris McClellan will play a lot as well.
Nose Tackle
Starter: Cam Jackson
Backup: Desmond Watson
The skinny: Jackson will start but Watson is going to have a major role. Good luck trying to block these guys.
EDGE
Starter: Princely Umanmielen
Backup: Jack Pyburn or TJ Searcy
The skinny: The Gators expect big things from Umanmielen, who’s made the move from defensive end to outside linebacker.
ILB
Starters: Shemar James & Teradja Mitchell
Backups: Derek Wingo & Scooby Williams
The skinny: It will either be Mitchell or Wingo starting next James, but don’t sleep on Scooby. He earned more playing time in the spring.
Cornerback
Starters: Jason Marshall & Jalen Kimber
Backups: Devin Moore & Ja’Keem Jackson
The skinny: Marshall is CB1 with Kimber and Moore competing to start opposite him. Kimber has the edge right now.
STAR
Starter: Jadarrius Perkins
Backup: Jaydon Hill
The skinny: Hill moved from corner to compete with Perkins at nickel. Both will get opportunities with the starting defense.
Safety
Starters: RJ Moten & Miguel Mitchell
Backups: Kamari Wilson & Jordan Castell
The skinny: Moten will step in and start, while Mitchell and Wilson battle it out in camp for the other spot.
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