Excitement exploded through the roof for Florida Gators fans on Wednesday night due to the release of the first official depth chart of the season.
The depth chart comes before the Gators clash with the #7 Utah Utes in the Swamp on Saturday night.
Gentry provided you with the depth chart and his analysis this morning. I wanted to break down each position group and give you my thoughts as well.
Quarterbacks
No surprises here. Jack Miller is absent from the depth chart due to injury; he will slide safely into the 2nd string upon return. Staff is aiming for a week three return for Miller, but I think it’s likely they won’t push for him to return against USF. I’m looking for him to travel to Tennessee in week four.
Not surprised to see the OR between Jalen Kitna and Kyle Engel, as they have been battling for that 2nd spot since Miller injured his hand. I believe that this spot could depend on the situation the Gators are in.
Running Back
Likely the biggest surprise for Gator fans was that Lorenzo Lingard was left off the depth chart. This doesn’t mean that Lingard isn’t going to play week one, it just means Etienne has looked better thus far. Etienne turned heads during fall camp, looking anything but a true freshman. Napier has previously stated that the Gators have four running backs they trust, four running backs that can play winning football. Lingard is a part of that group.
Nay’Quan Wright is listed as RB1, Montrell Johnson and Etienne are rounding out the depth chart at RB2.
Wide Receiver
Ricky Pearsall, Justin Shorter, and Xzaiver Henderson are the Gators starting WR’s, as expected. Ja’Quavion Fraziars is the only other WR without an OR by his name. Caleb Douglas and Thai ChiaoKhiao-Bowman were two receivers left off the depth chart that I could see receiving playing time this season. The Gators will need players in this room to step up this season.
Offensive Line
No surprises here either. Ethan White is going to play LG and O’Cyrus Torrence will play RG to start the season. Josh Bruan is the backup at RG but will be the first guard to play off the bench. Austin Barber is listed as the backup RT but will be the first tackle to play off the bench.
Tight End
Dante Zanders is listed as TE1, which caught me by surprise. He has really impressed the staff since making the switch to TE. Keon Zipperer is the only other TE on the depth chart. I expect Nick Elksnis and Arlis Boardingham (when healthy) to make a significant impact this year.
Cornerback
Avery Helm is listed as the 2nd starting CB, with Jalen Kimber behind him. Devin Moore is listed as the backup to Jason Marshall. I think the Gators are in a really good spot here. When Jaydon Hill returns, the room will get even more messy. This is a good problem to have. I think Jordan Young is the other name to note here. He impressed me a lot in the spring game, and I think he’ll get his chance to shine this season.
Safety
It’s really good to see Corey Collier’s name on the depth chart, even if it’s 3rd-team. It’s also refreshing to see Donovan McMillon and Kamari Wilson on the 2nd team, this is the future of the Gators safety room. I’m really high on both Wilson and McMillon and believe they could be making an impact sooner rather than later. Miguel Mitchell also lands on the 2nd team with the OR next to McMillon.
Defensive End
The reason you see two DE’s and just one tackle spot is because of the Gators new 3-3-5 formation. For example, Dexter is listed as an end, but he’s going to be in the middle more often than not this year. This group is as expected. Chris McClellan makes the third team as a defensive end. Gators going to need big years from Justus Boone and Tyreak Sapp.
Nose Tackle
Jalen Lee is going to start at NT, as Gator Country predicted. Desmond Watson is currently sitting in the 2nd-team. Watson is listed at 439 pounds. At that weight, I can’t imagine he will be receiving a significant amount of snaps Saturday night. If he stays where he’s at, he’s going to get passed up by the guys behind him. Jaelin Humphries and Jamari Lyons are two guys to look for there. I expect Chris Thomas to receive playing time this year as well.
JACK
One question many had going into this season was who’s going to back up Brenton Cox. The answer looks to be Antwuan Powell-Ryland, at least for week one. I think Lloyd Summerall and David Reese will also be in the rotation. Chief Borders is another that could make an impact at the JACK position this year. I’m fairly comfortable on where the Gators stand with edge rushers this season.
Linebacker
Shemar James has had an incredible camp and has been placed on the 2nd team. He’s a guy that could end up starting games for the Gators this season. Scooby Williams beats out Derek Wingo for a 2nd team spot, that’s significant news. I still think you are going to see Wingo and Diwun Black receive significant playing time this season. LB’s rotate a lot depending on the situation.
STAR
Tre’Vez Johnson beats out Jadarrius Pekins for the STAR position and I’m not surprised. I think Kamar Wilcoxson is a guy that could move up the depth chart as the season goes on.
Special Teams
No kicker was selected to 1st-team, I think it’s possible we see both in action, one on kickoff and one on XP/FG. Looks like we will see Ja’Markis Weston and Trevor Etienne/Nay’Quan Wright returning kickoffs. Xzaiver Henderson is listed as the punt returner. I think he disappointed for the most part last year, but I think early on in the season this staff just wants someone that’s not going to give them a headache, at least for the start of the season. It will be interesting to see if someone emerges or if he’s truly gotten better.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I think I got more information out of the depth chart than I thought I would, but you still can’t look too much into these. Billy Napier has told us that there’s often position battles going on, even after Wednesday. I think you are going to see a TON of different Gators play in significant game scenarios this season. I’m interested to see who emerges as the season progresses.