It’s gameday in Gainesville. Florida’s clash with Utah will be one with loads of talent for both teams, on both sides of the ball. Gator Country gives you ten players to look out for in tonight’s matchup.
1- GERVON DEXTER
Dexter may be the most talented player on the field tomorrow. If the Gators come away victorious, he will be a big reason why. Dexter is tasked with stopping the Utes rushing attack.
2- CAMERON RISING
Utah’s QB threw for 2,493 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, all while throwing just five interceptions. Rising has the ability to run the football as well, picking up 499 yards and six touchdowns on the ground a year ago. Utah has a lot of trust in their QB, he’s going to be a handful for the Gators.
3- ANTHONY RICHARDSON
The man of the offseason. Richardson is looking to prove why he’s worthy of the offseason hype he’s received. Richardson is a true dual threat QB that will have of eyes all over him tonight. Richardson improved as a passer over the offseason, I’m looking for him to showcase that.
4- BRANT KUITHE
Utah’s TE is one of their best players. Kuithe is a three-time All-Pac-12 tight end, earning 2nd-team in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Kuithe had over 600 yards and seven TD’s last season. He’s the veteran of the group, playing in 47 games with the Utes. Kuithe is a guy that Utah trusts a lot. He has 17 career TD’s, four of them being rushing touchdowns. I expect Utah to go to the tight end’s often tonight.
5- PRINCELY UMANMIELEN
My Gators dark horse defensive MVP candidate is Princely Umanmielen. Utah’s starting RT has played in just nine games. I like this matchup for Umanmielen, I think he could find his way to the QB more than once.
6- DALTON KINCAID
Kincaid is the other Utah TE that can really play. The senior had 500 yards and eight touchdowns last season. These Utah TE’s are going to be in on almost every play and are certainly players to watch out for.
7- RICKY PEARSALL
The Gators newcomer is going to play a huge role in the Gators home opener. Pearsall adds something to the WR room that wasn’t there before. Pearsall is twitchy, has serious speed, and an above average route runner. I think the Gators will look to get the ball in Pearsall’s hands often.
8- TAVION THOMAS
The Utah RB ran for 1,108 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. The numbers speak for themselves, the Gators will need to have a plan for Thomas and the rest of Utah RBs. The RB room consists of three guys that have started four or more games. Thomas has the lowest number of starts with four. They also have freshman RB Jaylon Glover.
9- Nay’Quan Wright
The Gators most experienced RB and a team captain for tonight’s game. You’ll see the Gators get Wright the ball in multiple ways. He’s a three-down, do it all type back. Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne will see the ball often as well.
10- CLARK PHILLIPS
Utah’s CB1, he’s made 19 career starts for the Utes. He had 15 passes defended, the most in the Pac12. He’s got two pick sixes in his career as well. In 2021, he was named to the Pac-12 All Conference team and the AP All-Pac-12 second team.
I could have gone on and on with this list for both teams, but I believe that these ten players are the guys to look for in the Gators home opener at 7pm.