For the Gators to have a breakout season, they will have to rely on more than just their star players. Depth will be of huge importance due to their impending schedule. Regarded by many as the hardest schedule in history, the Gators take on 8 top 25 teams. This year’s Florida team is the most talented roster that head coach Billy Napier has had. It is imperative that the Gators get contributions from their depth pieces. Although talented, they play many teams that are absolutely littered with 5-star talent. In order to match up with these teams, the rotational players must make their impact felt. They are just as important to this team as the starters. Therefore, we will be highlighting those players who have a chance to shine in spot duty.
Gators Breakout Players
Young Backs
Unfortunately for the Gators, they have not been able to avoid the injury bug during Fall Camp. Such as the broken ankle of defensive lineman Jamari Lyons. As well as, running back Montrell Johnson going down. Now more reps are available to some of the younger backs. Although Johnson’s injury is not as serious as Lyons. It still allows young backs like Jadan Baugh more practice reps. Coming off quite an impressive Spring, Baugh turned plenty of heads during the Orange and Blue game. Racking up 12 carries for 77 yards, Baugh showed that he could be in line for some early reps.
With an established 2nd string back in Treyaun Webb, Baugh was looking at little to no playing time. However, he has taken advantage of his reps during practice and could even get significant carries in week one. Look for the Gators to establish a four-back committee, (Cam Carroll returns from injury), with plenty of carries for Baugh.
Spring Standouts
With receiver Ricky Pearsall off to the NFL, a huge hole was left in this Florida receiving room. However, Gator fans trust Eugene Wilson and transfer Elijhah Badger to break out this season. Yet, fans should also remember that this is a deep room highlighted by young talent. Specifically, Aidan Mizell and Andy Jean are hoping to burst onto the scene in their sophomore seasons. With a touchdown in the Spring game, fans are excited about Mizell’s potential. Although not expected to be a starter, he could still be in line for valuable reps. Using last season as a redshirt year, he recorded two catches for 25 yards in his two appearances. A highly-rated recruit, Mizell was able to learn the offense while waiting his turn last season. Despite the limited playing time, he now has a full year of experience with how the Gators run their offense.
Moving on to his counterpart, Andy Jean was able to see a bit more playing time than Mizell. Despite also redshirting last season, Jean was able to participate in four of the Gators’ games. Recording six catches for 97 yards, he also returned two kickoffs, showing his versatility. A similar player to starter Eugene Wilson, Jean is listed at 6 foot 1 and 184 pounds. Quicker than fast, he’s the type of player that thrives in the short-receiving game. Playing against both Vanderbilt and Kentucky, Jean didn’t simply play against inferior opponents. Unfortunately nursing a hamstring injury, fans didn’t see much of him this Spring. When healthy, Jean should be a contributor to this underrated offense. Despite the depth of this position, Jean was a highly-rated recruit, and much is expected of him. If he can return to health, he should be a breakout player for the Gators.
Sophomore Standout?
Last year, not much was seen of defensive back Sharif Denson until late in the season. Utilized mostly as a reserve, he finished the year with seven tackles and 0.5 a tackle for loss. Playing in all 12 games, he had his best outing in the final game of the year. He recorded two tackles and 0.5 a tackle for loss against the Seminoles. A talented player, he also registered some special teams snaps, showing that the Gators wanted him on the field. Now, much more will be expected of this rising sophomore. With last season’s STAR position entering the transfer portal, Denson is in line to be a starter. The STAR position is a hybrid safety type of role, tasked with playing almost like an outside linebacker. The Gators will ask a lot of Denson this year, especially after his breakout late last season.
Early Playing Time?
After some Fall practices, many fans are beginning to pay attention to freshman receiver Tank Hawkins. Tearing it up at practice, Hawkins could be a fast riser on the depth chart. Although a deep and young position group, there is no denying that Hawkins could find a role. A speedster, he was also a valued track runner during his time in high school. Due to his quickness, fans should certainly see him getting some kickoff/punt return reps this fall. Scoring twice in the last scrimmage, Hawkins keeps being mentioned as someone to keep an eye on. With the top four spots seemingly set in stone, he will have to keep making plays if he wants valuable reps. A quality position group, there is plenty of talent behind the top four. However, due to his speed and quickness, don’t be surprised if Billy Napier schemes up some packages for him.
