Perhaps no coach and no team in the country has more to prove this offseason than the Florida Gators. Ending the season on a five-game losing streak did not sit well with the fanbase. Eager to get the ball rolling on the next season, Spring practice gives fans an early look at the team. Completing 14 days of practice during this period, the Gators finish up with a Spring game at the conclusion. Known as the Orange and Blue Game, fans will no doubt be eager to keep an eye on some of their favorite players. Spring practice for the Gators provides many players the chance to compete for playing time and even starting roles. With so many unknowns, it is pivotal for many players to capitalize on these practices. Focusing on the offensive side, four players could benefit the most from this Spring.
Potential Spring Practice Standouts
Offensive Line
The first in this group is Knijeah Harris. Harris has a lot to prove. Due to the departure of Micah Mazzcua to the transfer portal, Harris is expected to step into a starting role. Coming out of IMG Academy, Harris found himself playing often last season. With experience under his belt, he is looking at a much bigger role. Florida will be dealing with a completely revamped offensive line this season. Losing Center Kingsley Eguakan to the draft as well as Richie Leonard to rival Florida State has caused ripples in the offensive line room.
This Spring is a pivotal window that gives Harris the chance to take the next step forward. If Harris wants to become a leader in the locker room, he must begin during Spring practice. Fans will be eager to see how he performs during these practices, and if Offensive Line coach Rob Sale puts his full trust in him.
Another offensive lineman to watch is Damieon George. George struggled throughout last season at the tackle position and has decided to kick inside as an offensive guard. This is more of his natural position and should ease many of the problems he encountered last season. Many fans felt that George was simply playing out of his position. With plenty of experience, George should work nicely on the interior of the line. Bringing in new tackles from the transfer portal allowed George to make this transition seamlessly. Working better in the run game than the pass game, George should thrive on the inside.
This Spring allows George to get valuable reps at his new position, which will help him settle in comfortably. Fans should be excited to see him in his new position. Look for George to make a much stronger impact this season, starting during Spring practice.
Running Back
Filling in for the starters in spot duty last season, Treyaun Webb now has a chance to make an impact. Montrell Johnson will undoubtedly be the starter, yet there is now a gaping hole at the second-string spot. With the loss of Trevor Etienne to Georgia, fans are now left with many questions behind Johnson. Finishing last season with 26 carries for 163 yards, Webb does have a bit of experience at the position. Having his biggest games against Vanderbilt and McNeese State, Webb thrived when he came off the bench during blowout games. In addition, he saw limited action against Tennessee and Georgia which should benefit him this season.
Webb should be viewed as the favorite to take over as the second running back in the rotation going into the season. However, with talented back Cam Carroll getting healthy and Florida adding some talented freshmen, everything must be earned. Spring practice allows Webb to solidify himself as a playmaker and lock down his spot.
Tight End
One of the better young players on the roster, Arlis Boardingham has a chance to be a star this season. Boardingham found himself breaking out as one Graham Mertz’s top targets down the stretch. Now manning the tight end room with Hayden Hanson, Boardingham has proven to be quite a reliable pass catcher. Despite senior Keon Zipperer being expected back healthy, Boardingham should use this Spring to prove himself as the top tight end. Scoring four touchdowns to go along with almost 300 yards, Boardingham grew as the season progressed. Nearly topping 100 yards against Vanderbilt, this tight end now has a year of experience in the SEC.
Spring practice for the Gators allows him to hone his skills and round out his game. One of the better freshmen not only on the Gators but in the entire SEC, Boardingham proved a lot last season. With another year of growth, he could cement himself as one of the top pass-catching tight ends in all of college football.
Other Possible Standouts
The Spring period needs to be capitalized upon for the Gators and their new transfer portal class. Offensive tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson and receiver Chimere Dike are likely to be the transfers leaned upon heavily. This Spring allows these transfers and many other young players to get valuable practice and work together as a team. Both of these players are expected to compete for starting jobs and this Spring is of huge importance. Gator fans should be excited to see what this team looks like come the Orange and Blue Game. With plenty of transfers and early enrollee freshmen already on campus, fans can get a feel of the new roster. This entire team from the bottom up needs to capitalize on these Spring practices if they wish to avoid the letdown of this past season.
