Gator Country continues answering subscribers’ questions regarding Florida football ahead of fall camp. Here is part three.
Jcmiller910: Nick, any chance that Russ has full autonomy on calling plays this year?? Pretty sure he allows Ron Roberts to call the game, correct? Will we be adding any players before Fall camp? Maybe a grad transfer on the d-line??
NM: I expect Billy Napier to be the primary play caller in 2025. However, with Russ Callaway’s third promotion in three years, it’s fair to expect he’ll have a larger say in the offense moving forward. Ron Roberts does call defensive plays, that is correct. I don’t believe Florida will be adding any players before fall camp. Walk ons are being promoted to scholarship which usually means they are done adding new players to the program. With camp starting in a few days, I highly doubt another addition is made.
Mbgator: I thought when he got hurt, Jamari Lyons looked like the light was coming on. Does he still have the same quickness and agility?
NM: I was pleasantly surprised with Jamari Lyons’ quickness and agility during spring camp. I don’t think it was at the level prior to his injury, but the big man was moving around well roughly 8 months after breaking his ankle. It will be a big fall camp for Lyons as he still hasn’t taken very many live reps since his injury.
Gator_n_Bmore: Who ends up as the 3rd RB?
NM: If Treyaun Webb stays healthy I believe he’ll end up with the third most carries on the team. He looked really sharp in his last two weeks prior to injury, combining for 78 yards on 14 carries against Texas A&M and Mississippi State. Redshirt freshman KD Daniels is one to watch as well. The 6’0, 201 pound running back put on muscle this offseason and looks bigger, stronger, and faster.
Gator_n_Bmore: Does Amir Jackson make a leap this year and become a weapon at TE/Hback?
NM: I expect Hayden Hansen and Tony Livingston to be the primary tight ends in 2025, but that doesn’t mean Amir Jackson’s skillset can’t be utilized. Jackson is Florida’s best receiving threat, but a lingering injury in spring camp kept us from seeing his full potential. For Jackson, it’s about putting on weight, improving in the run game, and route running techniques. There’s little to no questions about his speed and athletic ability. Jackson will see the field in 2025 after redshirting last season, but I think we’re a year away from seeing Jackson reaching his full potential.
AFGator: Based on the talent of the player and the depth at his position, which 5 players can the Gators least afford to lose to a serious injury ranked 1-5 with 1 being the most indispensable?
NM:
1. QB DJ Lagway: Florida’s key to major success in 2025. Lagway simply has to stay healthy.
2. DL Caleb Banks: The rock on defense. At a position with limited depth. Best NFL prospect on defense.
3. OL Jake Slaughter: All-American center. Leader of the offense.
4. CB Devin Moore: Very productive cornerback when healthy. A position with limited depth.
5. OL Austin Barber: Tasked with guarding Lagway’s blindside. Veteran offensive lineman with loads of experience. Inexperienced depth at tackle.
StrangeGator: Are we likely to see DJ run some read option plays? Those plays were money when he was in high school.
NM: I think this depends on the health of DJ Lagway throughout 2025. It’s no secret that Lagway dealt with a number of injuries throughout his freshman campaign, which leaked into spring camp. Given the injury history, one might suggest Florida stays away from running their future superstar quarterback in hopes of reducing injury chances. However, you are taking away a large part of Lagway’s skillset by doing that. You will likely see a calculated approach from Napier and the offensive staff, much like we saw with Anthony Richardson. Florida simply can’t afford to lose Lagway this season. On the other side, one can learn how to safely slide or avoid taking the big, unnecessary hit. I will always be on team ‘let your play maker go’, but Florida does have to be considerate given the 2025 rides on Lagway’s success.