The Gators have wrapped up fall camp and began their transition into Utah prep as Florida is set to face the Utes in just ten days.
“I think we kind of officially turn the page here relative to training camp,” Napier said on Saturday. “Although school starts Wednesday, we’ll just have a few different points of emphasis for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday but it’s been a great camp.”
After observing the media portion of practices throughout fall camp, Gator Country provides our 2023 projected offensive depth chart.
QUARTERBACK:
Graham Mertz / Jack Miller / Max Brown / Micah Leon
ANALYSIS:
Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz was named Florida’s starting quarterback on August 11th, one day after the Gators’ first scrimmage of fall camp. Mertz repped with the first group alongside Jack Miller for the majority of spring and fall practices. Max Brown, who has taken significant strides since the 2022 season, could serve as the team’s backup quarterback as Miller is currently dealing with tendonitis in his throwing shoulder, keeping him out of practice as of late.
RUNNING BACK:
Montrell Johnson or Trevor Etienne / Treyaun Webb / Ja’Kobi Jackson
ANALYSIS:
Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne will run the show once again after combining for over 1,500 rushing yards a season ago. True freshman Treyaun Webb has an increased role following the season ending injury to Tulane transfer Cam Carroll, who was expected to serve as Florida’s third back. Despite losing one of their five scholarship backs before the season even started, the Gators’ running back room should be considered a strength of the roster.
TIGHT END:
H-TE: Dante Zanders / Jonathan Odom / Hayden Hansen
Y-TE: Arlis Boardingham / Dante Zanders / Tony Livingston
ANALYSIS:
The tight end room is likely the weakest on the team entering the 2023 season. Out of the available pass catchers, Florida’s tight ends combine for just 17 catches of collegiate production, which is only made up of Dante Zanders (10) and Jonathan Odom (7).
Redshirt freshman Arlis Boardingham has the receiving upside and will likely ‘start’ for the Gators in 12-personnel packages alongside Dante Zanders.
WIDE RECEIVER:
Y: Ricky Pearsall / Eugene Wilson / Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman
X: Caleb Doulgas / Marcus Burke / Aidan Mizell
Z: Andy Jean / Ja’Quavion Fraziars / Kahleil Jackson
ANALYSIS:
Florida has much more speed on their wide receiver depth chart compared to last season. The additions of true freshmen Andy Jean, Eugene Wilson, and Aidan Mizell have revamped a wide receiver unit that lost Justin Shorter and Xzaiver Henderson during the offseason. The trio will see the field plenty in 2023 to compliment Ricky Pearsall and Caleb Douglas. Although young and inexperienced, Florida’s wide receivers are trending in the right direction and have a chance to put together an impressive year under wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales.
OFFENSIVE LINE:
LT: Austin Barber / Jordan Herman
LG: Richie Leonard / Knijeah Harris
C: Kingsley Egaukun / Jake Slaughter
RG: Micah Mazzccua / Jalen Farmer
RT: Damieon George Jr. / Lyndell Hudson
ANALYSIS:
Florida was tasked with rebuilding an offensive line that lost a combined 125 starts throughout the offseason (transfer and NFL). Although the Gators did a great job in the portal, the Orange and Blue appear to be thin at the tackle position.