Gator Country presents our pre-spring camp roundtable discussion, breaking down key position battles, roster strengths and weaknesses, and players to watch.
Q. What key position battles do you expect to unfold throughout spring camp?
AS: The offensive line is the group that I’m hoping to see the most from. It has been a unit that has been underperforming for the last few years but with Phil Trautwein in charge, I expect to see a different mindset with the group. There are several key battles at the position as well.
GH: The quarterback battle between Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. will be the biggest battle to follow this spring camp. However, I think the battle for spots on the offensive line will be just as important this spring. It’s very possible we see things shake up in the trenches.
NM: Outside of the quarterback position, I’m looking forward to seeing how the cornerback battle shakes out. Dijon Johnson and Cormani McClain return for another year, but can rising second years J’Vari Flowers and Ben Hanks III push them for playing time? Can Onis Konanbanny or either of the two freshmen provide depth? And who takes over the STAR position after Sharif Denson and Aaron Gates transferred?
Q. What does a successful spring camp look like for this Gators team?
AS: One that shows a new energy and intensity around it. I want to see a team that is physical and fast.
GH: I think the first thing that makes a successful spring camp is coming out of it with no severe injuries on both sides of the football, but the Gators have bigger fish to fry this spring. With a big roster overturn this offseason, it’s extremely important that Coach Sumrall and his staff set the culture within this program, and passing the gauntlet is a great start for this team. A second thing I think makes a successful spring camp for this team is establishing depth within the trenches on both sides and finding their guys. The Gators have had multiple departures and it’s extremely important for those areas to get situated this spring under a new staff.
NM: First and foremost, the Gators need to get out of spring camp healthy. Beyond that, the goal should be to build as much depth as possible heading into the fall, especially in the trenches. You also want to see real competition across the roster.
Q. Where is this Gators roster strongest, where is it weakest?
AS: Strongest would be receiver or running back as you could argue multiple guys will play at both spots.
Weakest is defensive tackle and I think that’s because of the inexperience as a whole for the group. Bett and Mbactchou played last year but didn’t start, are they ready to start? Also, what can Kendall Guervil do as a freshman?
GH: I think the roster is strongest in skill position areas like running back and wide receiver. Florida’s wide receiver room is the deepest it has been in quite a while after retaining both Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson, while adding players like Eric Singleton Jr., Bailey Stockton, and Micah Mays Jr. from the transfer portal. Florida’s running back room is also extremely deep after retaining Jadan Baugh and adding both Evan Pryor and London Montgomery from the portal. Florida’s weakest areas right now for me would have to be the defensive line and the offensive line. I think both rooms have a lot of talent, but they also lost a lot of production on both ends and have a lot to prove this spring.
NM: Florida is strongest at running back, wide receiver, and linebacker. I really like the talent along the defensive line, but the lack of depth keeps me from labeling it a true strength — at least for now. That could change after spring camp. The Gators are weakest at offensive line, tight end, and quarterback relative to the rest of the SEC.
Q. Which one or two players do you believe could make a significant jump this spring?
AS: LJ McCray. I think he could really show out and show his potential after an injury shut him down last year. And on offense I want to see what Amir Jackson can do.
GH: I think both LJ McCray and Fletcher Westphal are two players who can make a big jump this spring.
NM: I have my eyes on linebacker Myles Johnson, who has added weight, going from 224 pounds last season to 239 pounds this year. Last season, his teammates called him one of the fastest players on the team. If he can maintain that speed at his current weight, Johnson could make a significant jump.
Agreeing with Andrew, I’m eager to see what Amir Jackson can do under a new coaching staff. His speed could be a real difference-maker at the tight end position.
Q. What are you looking for from the quarterback room?
AS: I want to see someone take charge of the room and group. Aaron Philo knows the playbook better but Trammel knows the guys around him better so both have something going for them. I want to see this battle.
GH: Aside from wanting to see someone emerge as a true leader for this offense, I’m looking to see who can lead this new-look offense to the best of their ability. QB Aaron Philo is very familiar with offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner and his offense, while QB Tramell Jones Jr. has more chemistry and is more familiar with the skill players around him. Who can lead this offense in the most efficient way through the air and on the ground? That’s what I’m looking for from the quarterbacks this spring.
NM: Ideally, you want to see someone emerge from the group before fall camp—both on the field and off. Which quarterback can manage the game effectively and get the ball to their playmakers in space? Most importantly, you want a healthy competition where the players push each other to improve.
Q. Which freshman do you think can make the strongest impact this spring?
AS: Davian Groce is the guy I want to see the most. I think he’s electric and will be hard to keep off the field even at a crowded spot.
GH: I think players like KJ Ford and Davian Groce will have opportunities to have lasting impacts for the Gators in 2026 as true freshmen.
NM: Although the room is crowded, wide receiver Davian Groce has the athletic ability to make an impact from day one. I also think it’s important for KJ Ford to have a strong spring, giving Florida valuable depth off the edge in 2026.