Gator Country provides you our roundtable discussion, where we preview Florida’s 2024 season by giving out preseason awards, discussing keys to victory, and predicting Florida’s record.
Here is our roundtable by Gentry Hawk, Andrew Spivey, and Nick Marcinko.
What are the keys to Florida’s offense this season?
GH: I think the biggest key for Florida’s offense starts with the offensive line being able to execute and perform efficiently. If there was any issue on offense last season in terms of production, it was due to poor offensive line play or situational things. A better offensive line can help Mertz make a big statement this season. Everything will fall on that group’s shoulders.
AS: Offensive line, offensive line and more offensive line. This team will go as far as the offensive line allows them to go. They can’t allow Mertz to be pressured every play like it seemed last year. Mertz needs time to allow the down field plays to develop and also the line needs to create holes for the running backs.
NM: The Gators have to avoid negative plays in 2024. In 2023, Florida’s offense lost over a point per play (EPA) on sacks or scrambles, partly due to the pass protection issues. The Gators have the pieces around Mertz to be successful on offense, they just need to improve on the offensive line both in pass protection and run support. A more consistent rushing attack will lead to more explosive play opportunities.
What are the keys to Florida’s defense this season?
GH: The biggest key for Florida’s defense is better secondary play behind better production from Florida’s defensive front. Both position groups did not help each other out last season, and if this team wants to win, that can’t continue to be a burden for the Gators in 2024.
AS: Tackling. It sounds so simple but Florida’s defense is a lot better last year if they simply tackled better and that’s something Billy Napier and the defensive staff have put a priority on this year.
NM: The front four. The Gators have a deep secondary that should be much improved and a linebacker core that is young but immensely talented. For me the question mark is on the defensive line. If Florida can win at the LOS, I like the Gators to surprise some people in 2024.
Offensive MVP?
GH: I would go with Tre Wilson here, but with several more options at receiver this season, I think it’s hard not to go with Graham Mertz as the offensive MVP. Florida’s success on offense will come down to how well Graham Mertz performs in 2024, and I think he picks up right where he left off last season.
AS: I’m going to go with Graham Mertz. If this team is going to do what they want to do this year then it will be because of Mertz and his leadership on and off the field. I think Mertz is severely underrated and if you look at his stats last year, they were pretty good but yet he wasn’t talked about because of the record of the Gators.
NM: I’m going to go in a different direction and say sophomore receiver Tre Wilson. Wilson doesn’t even need good quarterback play to change the game, that’s how good he is. I know Florida has tons of options at receiver, but nobody will be targeted more than Wilson. Florida has made it clear that the Tampa native will be their top priority on game day. I think Wilson has an outside chance, but a chance, at being Florida’s first 1,000-yard receiver since 2002. His bend and acceleration make him one of the toughest receivers to guard in college football.
Defensive MVP?
GH: I like Jordan Castell as the most valuable player on defense this season. Under new defensive backs coach Will Harris, I think Castell looks more consistent and comfortable in Florida’s secondary this upcoming season.
AS: Asa Turner, I think his veteran leadership is going to be a key for both the defensive back room and the defensive room in general. Turner is an older veteran who has been around the game and big games and he can help this team. Also I believe Turner will have a big year as teams try to take advantage of Florida’s lack of a pass rush by throwing the ball.
NM: I’m going to go with the leader of Florida’s defense, LB Shemar James. If Florida can do a better job up front, I think James will shine in 2024 and put himself on NFL Draft Boards.
Breakout player of the year?
GH: I could see TJ Searcy making a name for himself in 2024 and having a breakout season for the Gators. Searcy has really filled into his body and has the length to bully opposing offenses.
AS: Arlis Boardingham is a guy that I’m going with. I believe Boardingham can be a secret weapon for this team and we all know how good a offense is when the tight end is productive. Also Napier loves throwing to the tight end and Boardingham is a guy that has the skillset to have a huge year. There are several other guys like Jadan Baugh or Shemar James that I could’ve went with but I’m sticking with Arlis.
NM: Junior DB Devin Moore. This might be a lame pick because I feel like most people know how talented he is, but he’s only played in 12 games across two seasons and has never completed seven games in a single season. Moore is one of Florida’s better players when he’s on the field and I like him to breakout in 2024.
Rookie of the year?
GH: I think once LJ McCray gets some playing time, it’s going to be hard to take him off the field. I think the potential is through the roof and he’s got the build to play early in the SEC.
AS: LJ McCray, I’m sure he will be the popular pick here but Florida needs McCray to go get the quarterback and cause chaos. McCray is a guy that I believe can handle the pressure of this year and he’s poised for a big year.
NM: Give me Jadan Baugh. Baugh has had a really impressive spring and fall camp and is a part of a very deep Gators running back room. Napier isn’t afraid to use freshman running backs, which is why I like him to get his fair share of opportunities in 2024. Baugh might just have the chance to play a special teams role as well on the return team.
Predict Florida’s record:
GH: I think the Gators start out the season strong but finish the year with some losses against Georgia, Texas, and Ole Miss. I don’t think it’s a reach to say Florida can snatch wins from FSU and LSU. I have the Gators going 7-5 in 2024.
AS: I’m going to go 7-5.
NM: I’m predicting a 7-5 season for Florida. You can see my full prediction breakdown here.