It’s game day for the Florida Gators. Despite the rocky start to the 2022 season, the Gators sit at 2-1 ahead of their week four road clash with Tennessee. Gator Country provides you with ten players to look out for in Saturday’s matchup.
1-ANTHONY RICHARDSON
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Richardson is always going to be on my watch list. So much of the Gators success rides on Richardson’s performance. The Gators do not have a touchdown pass through the first three games and have less than 500 passing yards on the season. He’s not been able to get his run game going in the last two weeks. If the Gators want to shock the nation on Saturday, Richardson has to use his legs and play fearless football.
2- HENDON HOOKER
The 24-year-old Tennessee QB is off to a great start to the 2022 season. He’s thrown for 844 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions. He’s certainly a player to watch as Tennessee’s offense will look to stay in rhythm all game long against Florida.
3- SHEMAR JAMES
With Ventrell Miller questionable for the game, James could have a huge impact Saturday. James is just a true freshman, but he doesn’t play like one. James has 14 tackles and one forced fumble on the season. James is a versatile linebacker. Being able to cover the run and the pass effectively is huge when facing an up-tempo offense like Tennessee’s. James is slated to make his 2nd straight start on Saturday (pending Miller).
4-JAYLEN WRIGHT
Jaylen Wright has 45 carries on the young season. He’s ran for a team high 231 yards and has found the endzone three times. 2nd-string RB Jabari Small left last week’s game with an injury. He’s probable to play today but I expect Jaylen Wright to get the bulk of the carries.
5- DESMOND WATSON
The 415-pound defensive tackle is making his first start in a Gator uniform Saturday afternoon. Watson has played more than I thought he would this season, which is great news for the Gators. However, I’m not sure I understand the decision to start him against Tennessee’s up-tempo offense. Watson said Patrick Toney has a plan for him today, that’s why he’s on my watch list. Watson will need to clog up those run lanes for Tennessee, making them one dimensional.
6- JAYLIN HYATT
Tennessee’s #1 target Cedric Tillman is out with an ankle injury against the Gators. Jaylin Hyatt has had a productive season thus far, leading the Vols in touchdowns (three) and yards (267). With Tillman out, all eyes will be on Jaylin Hyatt.
7- MONTRELL JOHNSON
In a physical football game, I want the most physical running back in the room to carry the football. That’s Montrell Johnson. Johnson had just six carries last week for 112 yards. That needs to change this week.
8- BRU MCCOY
The USC transfer is another Tennessee receiver to look out for today. With Tillman out, Mccoy is the receiver I’m looking for to make a big impact. Mccoy has 8 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown on the season.
9- GERVON DEXTER
We need to see the Dexter we saw against Kentucky today. The Gators need Dexter to do it all. There wasn’t much of a pass rush against USF and the Gators didn’t do a good job of stopping the run. I’m looking at Dexter to lead the team in both areas today. He has the versatility to impact the game in many different ways.
10- TREVON FLOWERS
The veteran safety is the leader of this Tennessee defense. The fifth-year senior is in his third year starting for the Vols. He’s 2nd on the team in tackles, adding a sack and an interception to his resume this season.