Gator Country provides you with five players we want to receive more snaps in week two vs Samford.
DL Kelby Collins
After averaging nearly 23 snaps per game coming off the edge last season, sophomore Kelby Collins switched to the interior defensive line in the spring. The playing time did not translate, as Collins recorded just seven snaps in Florida’s week one game vs Miami. The Gators’ front four couldn’t generate any pressure against Miami’s offensive line, so why not give a more athletic and better pass rusher a chance to play in week two? It’s strange that Florida’s staff would switch Collins’ position to give him significantly less playing time, especially considering the Gators are not as good off the edge as advertised. While Collins may not be as effective in early down run scenarios compared to Desmond Watson or Cam Jackson, he would certainly be the better pass rusher.
OL Caden Jones
The right side of Florida’s offensive line was abysmal in week one. Right tackle Kam Waites graded a 0.0 in pass blocking across 19 passing downs, allowing four pressures and three QB hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson wasn’t much better, holding a true pass set blocking grade of 43.6, the second worst number on the team.
Redshirt freshman Caden Jones did not record a snap in week one. It’s important to note that Jones hasn’t had much practice time as he spent most of his rookie campaign sidelined with an injury. The staff thinks Jones has potential to be an extremely productive SEC player, and with a game against Samford coming up, it’s time to see what Caden Jones has to offer.
LB Grayson Howard
Grayson Howard was arguably the best player on the field for the Gators last Saturday yet played only 42% of Florida’s defensive snaps. Florida rotated so many linebackers into the game, including RJ Moten, Jaden Robinson, and Derek Wingo, who all found 17+ snaps against the Hurricanes.
It hopefully won’t be a problem against Samford, but Grayson Howard needs to be playing as much as Shemar James is moving forward. Too many times last week I watched Florida sub Howard out of the game after making an impressive play.
CB Dijon Johnson
After Devin Moore went down after just eight snaps, Florida relied on Ja’Keem Jackson and Dijon Johnson to fill the second cornerback spot opposite of Jason Marshall. Jackson got picked on quite a bit by Miami’s offense as he allowed four receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown on six targets.
Dijon Johnson only saw 14 snaps, but didn’t allow a single reception or target and graded as Florida’s best defender in coverage. Johnson also recorded two tackles and one ‘stop’. If Devin Moore misses next week, I’d like to see Johnson see more snaps against Samford.
OL Bryce Lovett / Rod Kearney
This is simple. I’m ready to see new blood on the right side of the offensive line. Second year offensive lineman Bryce Lovett and Rod Kearney both can play multiple positions. Lovett can legitimately play at all five spots along the offensive line and Rod Kearney can play all three interior positions. If Florida’s offensive line is going to be a disaster again, you might as well start developing the future of the unit. Both Lovett and Kearney were praised for their hard work in the offseason, and it’s time they see the reward.
Lovett found 15 snaps in week one and Kearney saw three. Week two against Samford is the perfect time to find out what these guys can do in a live game.