Gator Country continues our position group breakdown, providing analysis and insight for each player at every position.
CENTER FIELD
Jud Fabian’s departure creates a level of uncertainty at the center field position in 2023. However, the number of quality outfielders Florida has on its roster leaves me unconcerned about the position with four days until opening day.
MICHAEL ROBERTSON / REDSHIRT FRESHMAN / #11
A nagging hamstring injury kept Robertson from appearing in any games during his true freshman season.
The Venice native was a four-year letterwinner under head coach Craig Faulkner at Venice High School. Robertson slashed .477/.583/.616 with two triples, eight doubles, 27 runs scored, 16 RBI and 17 stolen bases as a senior.
Robertson ranked as the No. 18 player and No. 4 outfielder in Florida as well as the No. 139 overall player in the country, according to Perfect Game.
The 6-2, 190-pound outfielder projects as one of the fastest players in all of college baseball. Robertson logged a 6.3 second 60-yard dash at Perfect Game National on June 17th, 2020.
Robertson’s speed should help Florida see an increase in stolen bases and to follow in Jud Fabian’s footsteps defensively.
Head coach Kevin O’Sullivan stated earlier in preseason that Robertson ideally hits leadoff and starts in center field for the Gators.
MAX BROWN / FRESHMAN / #66
The multisport athlete is also a scholarship QB for the Gators’ football team under head coach Billy Napier.
The Tulsa native ranked as the No. 3 shortstop and No. 10 overall player in Oklahoma in the 2022 class, according to Perfect Game.
Brown was named to three All-Tournament Teams at PG events in 2021 and helped power Lincoln Christian High School to a 2022 District Championship on the diamond.
The 6-2, 200 pounder projects as an outfielder for coach Sullivan’s program. Brown has impressed in a short time with the Gators, displaying quality at bats against SEC pitching while showing speed and athleticism on the base path.
After all, Coach Sullivan isn’t one to take a player just for publicity. If Brown made the team, it’s because he’s a good enough player.
BREAKDOWN
Wyatt Langford is another player that has the versatility to transition to center field if Robertson gets injured, isn’t producing, or needs a night off.
Robertson is expected to start in center field with Langford listed as the “backup” while starting in left field.