A few notes on Florida heading into matchup against No. 14 Utah
The first big matchup of Week 1 will feature Florida trying to open its second season under Billy Napier with a win over No. 14 Utah.
It’s well-documented at this point that the Gators are legitimately optimistic about new starting quarterback Graham Mertz despite there being plenty of people outside the program that remain understandably skeptical based on his up-and-down run as the starting QB at Wisconsin. However, here are a few other things to keep an eye on with Florida heading into the matchup against Utah.
Injury update
As of Wednesday night, it seemed like it would be somewhat of a surprise if Gators center Kingsley Eguakun ends up playing against Utah.
Eguakun, who has a lower body injury, has been classified as questionable throughout the week by Napier. The senior has started at center for Florida in 26 straight games.
Get ready to meet another stud freshman WR
One of the big developments of Week 0 was the emergence of USC five-star freshman wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who broke out during the Trojans’ win over San Jose State with a receiving touchdown as well as a 96-yard kick return touchdown.
Now, we’re about to get our first look at another big-time freshman talent at wide receiver — Florida’s Eugene Wilson.
I’m not saying his production against Utah is going to match what Branch did versus San Jose State, but Gators sources have been raving about Wilson for months at this point and it hasn’t stopped.
“Makes plays every day,” a source told On3 of Wilson during the preseason.
Florida expects Wilson to be an impact player this season and to potentially even be utilized in some different ways as soon as this matchup against Utah.
On ranked Wilson as a five-star prospect and as the fourth-best wide receiver in the 2023 recruiting class.
Underrated running back tandem
Part of what could help the Gators take a step forward in Year Two under Napier (and in matchups like this one against Utah) is the running back tandem of junior Montrell Johnson and sophomore Trevor Etienne.
While those two don’t get anywhere near the attention they deserve, it’s not a stretch to say that they’re one the top running back duos in the SEC (and maybe even nationally).
Johnson, who is regarded by at least some NFL scouts as a middle-round prospect for next year’s NFL draft, ran for 841 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Etienne, meanwhile, rushed for 719 yards and six scores.
The feedback coming out of fall camp is that they’re both now even better heading into this year.
“They both had really good camps,” a source told On3. “I think they’re both really going to show out this year.”
Defensive improvement?
Only two teams in the SEC ranked worse in total defense last year than the Gators. However, there’s optimism at Florida that the defense is in position to take a nice step forward this season under new defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong.
In addition to early-round NFL prospects like cornerback Jason Marshall and EDGE Princely Umanmielen, the Gators are also enthusiastic about the outlook for others such as Memphis defensive line transfer Cam Jackson, sophomore linebacker Shemar James, who made four starts last year, and sophomore cornerback Devin Moore.
“The talent is better than last year and everyone’s bought in, which last year wasn’t the case,” a source said.
The biggest concern for Florida defensively is at safety with the combination of true freshman Jordan Castell and sophomore Miguel Mitchell.
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