Redshirt freshman offensive lineman Bryce Lovett logged his first career start for Florida football against Texas in week 11, grading as the Gators’ 2nd best offensive lineman in the contest with a Pro Football Focus grade of 67.5. Lovett got his opportunity to shine as starting right guard Damieon George Jr. missed the contest due to an undisclosed injury.
“It meant a lot. It felt good to be able to step up when one of my brothers went down. Going out there and being able to play hard and play for my teammates, that just felt good overall. Doesn’t matter how the game went,” Lovett said on his first start.
Lovett has played a significant role off the bench in his second season at UF, playing in all nine games while recording 215 snaps. The Rockledge, Florida native was a three-star recruit in the 2023 class and ranked as a top 50 offensive tackle.
After not appearing in a single game during his rookie campaign, things started to click for the 6’5, 317-pound offensive lineman in the offseason. Lovett completely transformed his body over the summer by dropping nearly 20 pounds.
“Compared from now to when I came in a little bit of not experience, but my first year when I redshirted I got to see what it actually took to play and be a productive player, and I think I really needed that,” Lovett said on his growth. “Having that first year to really develop and see what it takes to be a productive player on the offensive line, I think I needed that. That’s what’s the difference between this year and last year.”
Lovett’s best trait is his position versatility. The second-year lineman can play all five positions on the offensive line, having trained at each of them in the offseason. Through nine games of the 2024 season, Lovett has logged snaps at left tackle, left guard, and right guard. Last weekend against Texas, Lovett found snaps at left tackle and right guard.
“I feel like it gives me a lot more opportunities to get on field because I have five different options to get on the field, if that makes sense,” Lovett said on his position versatility. “I play guard, I play tackle, I can play center. So if anybody goes down or if anybody needs a break, I’m willing to go in. If he puts me in, I’m ready to go in.”
Florida has made progress in run blocking after a rough first three weeks of the season. Despite having PWO QB Aidan Warner under center, the Gators averaged 4.8 yards per carry vs No.5 Texas.
“I really do think it was that first bye week,” Lovett said on when the progress started. “Not even just with as the O-line unit, I think the whole team was really just like it’s either now or never. We’re going to step up and put in the work and do what we have to do to start making progress or it’s going to be the same all season. I think we came out and competed all week that week, and I think that’s really what started it.”
Lovett has allowed two pressures and one sack across 94 pass blocking snaps.