Redshirt report: Cam Dillard

Name: Cam Dillard

Height: 6-4

Weight: 297

Position: C/OG

 

Why did he redshirt?

Dillard came to Florida needing to add weight to compete for a spot on the line right immediately. Also, Will Muschamp has gone on record saying he believes the career track for offensive linemen should be to redshirt their first season, learn the system, get into the weight room and compete for a job either as a redshirt freshman or sophomore.

Depth at the position?

The depth at center is non-existent. Dillard is the only true center on Florida’s roster but other players like Tyler Moore and Max Garcia will get looks here in the spring.

Player Evaluation

The height and weight that is listed for Dillard seem to be a little inflated. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time that a school has a player listed as taller or heavier than they truly are and is a common practice.

Dillard is one of the only players on the roster that has real experience at center. It takes a very smart player to man the position and thanks to Jonotthan Harrison, Florida hasn’t had to worry about it for several years now.

Dillard is more advanced as a run blocker than he is in pass protection. He played in a very run-heavy offense in high school and excelled in that role. He still needs to get bigger and stronger before he will be a reliable option at center for Florida.

2014 Prognosis

Depth concerns point to Dillard getting a shot at playing this year. However, the fact is that he just isn’t ready. Dillard will benefit from another year in the weight room and another year to adjust to the SEC before he earns the job.

I think Dillard could be used in a pinch but the best case scenario for him would be to have this year to learn before really getting to compete for a starting job in 2015 as a redshirt sophomore.

Nick de la Torre
A South Florida native, Nick developed a passion for all things sports at a very young age. His love for baseball was solidified when he saw Al Leiter’s no-hitter for the Marlins live in May of 1996. He was able to play baseball in college but quickly realized there isn’t much of a market for short, slow outfielders that hit around the Mendoza line. Wanting to continue with sports in some capacity he studied journalism at the University of Central Florida. Nick got his first start in the business as an intern for a website covering all things related to the NFL draft before spending two seasons covering the Florida football team at Bleacher Report. That job led him to GatorCountry. When he isn’t covering Gator sports, Nick enjoys hitting way too many shots on the golf course, attempting to keep up with his favorite t.v. shows and watching the Heat, Dolphins and Marlins. Follow him on twitter @NickdelatorreGC