Gator Country predicts Florida’s post spring two-deep depth chart: Offense.
Quarterback
QB1: Graham Mertz
QB2: DJ Lagway
Analysis
Redshirt senior quarterback Graham Mertz is back in Gainesville after tossing for a career high 2,903 yards and 20 touchdowns in his first season with the Gators. He also posted a career high 72.9 completion percentage while throwing a career low three interceptions across 358 passing attempts.
Mertz has worked this offseason on taking more calculated risks as Napier is looking for more explosive plays out of his passing offense.
The Kansas native is one of the more experienced quarterbacks in all of college football. His 43 career starts places him in the top five among QB’s in the FBS.
Former five-star QB Lagway should primarily serve as the backup QB in 2024, although his athleticism could allow him to see the field in redzone or short yardage situations. The true freshman put his talent on display in Florida’s Orange and Blue game, showcasing undeniable arm talent and a quick release.
Napier has mentioned throughout spring camp that the next step for Lagway is the game management piece, which is something that will come with more experience.
Running Back
RB1: Montrell Johnson
RB2: Treyaun Webb or Jadan Baugh
Analysis
Senior running back Montrell Johnson is back for his third year in Gainesville after leading Florida in rushing in back-to-back seasons. Johnson has eclipsed 817 yards rushing and 5.2 yards per carry in each of his three collegiate seasons. The Louisiana native has 27 career rushing touchdowns.
Johnson felt like he was trying to do too much early in the 2023 season with the NFL draft looming, resulting in a lot left on the field. Johnson is the most experienced back on the team and has proven he can be a three-down back for the Gators.
Treyaun Webb returns after appearing in 11 games during his freshman campaign, rushing for 163 yards on 26 carries while finding the endzone twice. Webb will have a bigger opportunity in 2024 and he’s looking to take advantage of it.
Freshman RB Jadan Baugh caught everybody’s attention during Florida’s annual Orange and Blue spring game, rushing for 77 yards on 12 carries while displaying great vision and instincts.
Listed at 237 pounds, Baugh moves very well for his size, both laterally and vertically. Baugh recorded the longest rush in Florida’s spring game, breaking away for 32 yards in the second quarter.
Baugh has been the first running back on the 2nd team offense throughout spring camp, but I’m not sure how you can leave the Atlanta, Georgia native off the field if he continues to run like he did on Saturday afternoon.
Florida did lose running back Trevor Etienne to the transfer portal this offseason, but running back is not an issue with year’s squad. Other options include Ja’Kobi Jackson, KD Daniels, and Cam Carroll, who is returning from an ACL injury and has yet to practice this offseason.
Wide Receiver
WR1: Eugene Wilson, Adian Mizell
WR2: Chimere Dike, Ja’Quavion Fraziars, Andy Jean
WR3: Kahleil Jackson, Marcus Burke
Analysis
Florida is simply looking for more consistency out of their WR room. There is plenty of talent in this unit, but the Gators are looking for several guys to make a significant jump leading up to fall camp.
I would expect Florida to try and grab at least one receiver through the transfer portal when the window opens up.
Tight End
TE1: Hayden Hansen, Tony Livingston
TE2: Arlis Boardingham, Keon Zipperer
Analysis
Hayden Hansen and Arlis Boardingham return after receiving significant playing time for the first time in 2023. Florida often runs two tight end sets, which makes depth a concern for me in 2024. Keon Zipperer has been sidelined for all of spring as he’s still rehabbing an ACL injury. Tony Livingston has a lot of potential, but I don’t see him taking too many snaps from Hansen or Boardingham in 2024.
Offensive Line
LT: Austin Barber, Devon Manuel
LG: Knijeah Harris, Christian Williams
C: Jake Slaughter, Rod Kearney
RG: Damieon George, Bryce Lovett
RT: Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, Kamryn Waites
Analysis
Starting left tackle Austin Barber was not healthy in 2023 as he tried to play through injury week in and week out. While he’s been sidelined throughout spring camp, he’s expected to make a full recovery come fall.
Florida added two tackles via the transfer portal in Devon Manuel and Brandon Crenshaw Dickson, who both have experience at left and right tackle.
Kamryn Waites moved to tackle this offseason as well, which gives Florida the tackle depth they haven’t seen since Billy Napier arrived in 2021.
The Gators will have two new starting guards in 2024. Knijeah Harris has been taking reps with the first team at left guard after recording 171 snaps in his freshman campaign.
Damieon George and Bryce Lovett will battle it out for a starting spot at right guard. George has far more experience, having started 11 games for Florida in 2023 while seeing time at guard at Alabama.