It’s game week in Gainesville! The Gators will hold their annual Orange and Blue game on Thursday, April 13th inside the Swamp.
Gator Country provides five things to look out for during Florida’s spring game.
QB BATTLE
Gator Nation will get their first real look at Florida’s 2023 QB room on Thursday night under the lights.
A battle for QB1 has taken place throughout spring practice and now the quarterbacks get a chance to put their skillset on display for all to see.
Leading the charge is Wisconsin transfer quarterback Graham Mertz. The veteran QB has impressed Florida’s program with his work ethic since arriving in Gainesville and is the presumed front runner entering the spring game. As a three-year starter with the Badgers, Mertz threw for 5,405 yards and 38 touchdowns while completing 59.5% of his passes and throwing 26 interceptions.
Redshirt sophomore Jack Miller will likely be the quarterback starting opposite of Graham Mertz on Thursday night. Miller spent most of 2022 dealing with a nagging thumb injury before making his first career start in the Las Vegas Bowl on December 17th. Miller completed 13/22 passes for 180 yards in a blowout loss to Oregon State. Miller is looking to prove that he belongs in the QB1 conversation after a difficult 2022 season.
The other quarterback to watch is redshirt freshman Max Brown. The Oklahoma native didn’t appear in any games in 2022 but has shown flashes of greatness this spring. The key to Brown’s success is consistency, which is something to keep a close eye on Thursday night.
FRONT SEVEN
Florida’s defense allowed 4.49 yards per carry in 2022, which ranked 100th in division one football.
With the offseason additions of interior defensive lineman Cam’Ron Jackson and Caleb Banks, the Gators depth along the defensive line has vastly improved from a season ago.
Florida also added four pieces to the linebacker room after losing Ventrell Miller and Amari Burney due to eligibility, including redshirt senior Teradja Mitchell, who transferred from Ohio State in January.
Billy Napier and his staff have put an emphasis on cleaning up the front seven by adding depth and ready to play players in the defensive tackle and linebacker rooms.
All eyes will be on the Gators’ front seven as they look to be more disruptive and create negative plays against a banged up offensive line.
OFFENSIVE LINE
After losing four starters from the unit after the 2022 season, Florida’s offensive line will look significantly different on Thursday night. With injuries to Micah Mazzucca, Kamryn Waites, and Jalen Farmer, the spring game will serve as an opportunity for the Gators to build depth along their offensive line entering the 2023 season.
True freshman Knijeah Harris is expected to start at left guard on Thursday night after an impressive spring camp. The battle at right tackle between newcomers Damieon George and Kiyaunta Goodwin will be one to watch as well.
TIGHT END ROOM
With Keon Zipperer expected to miss all of the 2023 season, Dante Zanders doubtful for the spring game, and Jonothan Odom out for an extended period of time, the Gators will trot out an extremely inexperienced tight end group for the Orange and Blue game.
Redshirt freshman Arlis Boardingham battled injures during the 2022 season, appearing in just one game a year ago. His receiving upside makes him an intriguing player to watch on Thursday night.
Freshman Tony Livingston sits at 6-5, 240 pounds after originally being recruited as an offensive lineman. Livingston has certainly looked the part during spring camp as his athletic ability is undeniable.
Redshirt freshman Hayden Hansen has improved his pass catching ability after not appearing in a game last season. The 6-6, 259-pound tight end can certainly lay down a block, but I’m on the lookout for any potential receiving upside on Thursday night.
YOUNG TALENTÂ
With 16 true freshmen enrolled for spring, Gator Nation will see plenty of young talent take the field for the first time.
Leading the list is wide receivers Andy Jean and Aidan Mizell. The duo has made plenty of noise throughout spring camp, earning themselves a chance at early playing time in Gainesville.
Edge rusher Kelby Collins has dominated his competition since arriving in Gainesville. I’m not sure how long Austin Armstrong will be able to keep Collins off the field in 2023. I’m looking forward to seeing Collins go up against first and second team players.
Defensive back Ja’Keem Jackson is another one to watch on Thursday night as he has positioned himself in a role for early playing time come September.
The Orange and Blue game is scheduled for a 7:30 PM kick.