The Florida Gators have completed their 2019 spring camp with their annual Orange and Blue Game, with the Orange team blowing out the Blue team 60-35. The Florida offense kept racking up points as two Gator legends, Lito Sheppard and Chris Doering, also caught touchdowns in the game. The Gators offense had a lot of be proud about Saturday afternoon but the defense also made a few nice plays. Here are the offensive and defensive players that stood out in the 2019 Orange and Blue Game.
Offense
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Quarterback Feleipe Franks
There’s no doubt that Feleipe Franks will be the starting quarterback for the 2019 season but he gave the fans something to be excited for. The redshirt-junior had a terrific game as he spread the ball around to different receivers and threw with good accuracy. Franks completed 13 out of 18 passes which is a 72 completion rate. He also threw for 327 yards and five total touchdowns. It was a great showing for Franks as he looked very calm in the pocket and threw the ball with nice touch, which is something he struggled with last season. Since the South Carolina game, Franks has looked like a new and improved QB. There’s some high expectations for Franks coming into the season as he looked like he might be able to live up to the hype.
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Wide Receiver Trevon Grimes
One of the wide receivers that Franks found open a lot was Trevon Grimes. The Ohio State transfer was electric as he showcased his speed and did a nice job of stretching the defense. Grimes had four receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Grimes broke Florida’s spring game record for most receiving yards which was held by Dallas Baker (175). Florida has most of their offensive production coming back but Grimes should get more touches this season since he’s an explosive playmaker.
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Wide Receiver Kadarius Toney
Another wide receiver that really during the Orange and Blue Game was Kadarius Toney. The Florida slot receiver had a very nice game as he did some things Florida fans haven’t seen him do consistently. Toney had four catches for 94 yards and a touchdown. He also opened the game with a 40 yard completion to Franks. The junior receiver was as electric as always, but Toney’s route running was what really got some fans excited. There has never been a shortage of talent when it comes to Toney but they were usually only able to get the ball in his hands in the backfield or on stand passes. The former quarterback looked much smoother breaking in and out of his routes. Toney getting open down the field only makes Florida’s offense better.
Defense
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Safety John Huggins
John Huggins is trying to make a name for himself and helped his cause in Florida’s spring game. The former three-star recruit was one of the best defensive players in the Orange and Blue Game. His biggest play of the game was an 80 yard pick six in the first quarter off Kyle Trask. With Chauncey Gardner-Johnson heading to the NFL, Huggins is battling for a starting job at safety or at the star position. Even if he isn’t named a starter, Huggins will see a lot of playing time and be one of the first defensive backs off the bench.
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Defensive End Jon Greenard
One of the biggest pickups in the off-season for Florida was Louisville graduate transfer Jon Greenard. The Louisville defensive end was one of the most wanted transfers and made his commitment to Florida fairly quick. Greenard’s relationship with Todd Grantham and proximity to home was key for Greenard’s commitment to UF. Greenard had a nice game as recorded two tackles including a sack. He created a lot of pressure and gave the offensive line a hard time. It’s going to be hard to replace Jachai Polite but Greenard should still make a huge impact on the Gators defense.
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Linebacker Ventrell Miller
Ventrell Miller was also one of the best defensive players in the Orange and Blue Game. The Lakeland linebacker was around the ball all the time and did a good job of wrapping up. Miller plays with an aggressive attitude and continues to show it even in scrimmages. Miller led both teams in tackles with eight total tackles including six solo. The redshirt-sophomore will play a role in Florida’s defense and be a key contributor off the bench.
