With Spring Practice fast approaching, Gators fans will be eager to see who will step up. Nine former Gators competed in the NFL Combine this last weekend. Leaving some big shoes to fill, young players will now have their chance. This Spring window is pivotal, as these practices separate the playmakers from the backups. Defensively, all three levels should have new faces contributing. The Gators are replacing plenty of talent, but some big names will be back on campus. Offensively, of course, quarterback DJ Lagway will now enter his first full offseason as the starter. With an offensive line returning four starters, fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the season. If the skill positions step up, this could be one of the most dangerous offenses in the SEC. On the defensive side of the ball, replacing talent may be easier said than done for the Gators.
Gators Looking To Replace Talent
Looking for Physicality
This offseason, the Gators received exciting news as defensive tackle Caleb Banks announced his return to Gainesville. However, Cam Jackson left for the NFL, and plenty of edge rushers entered the portal. On the interior, fans shouldn’t be too quick to forget about Jamari Lyons. During the 2023 season, Lyons had 20 tackles and two tackles for loss. Missing all the 2024 season with an injury, he should be in line to contribute heavily. At defensive end, George Gumbs, Tyreak Sapp, and LJ McCray will be called upon. Sapp has long been viewed as the leader of this group. Returning for his last season, he’s hoping to build off his seven-sack season. George Gumbs transferred to the Gators from Northern Illinois. In his first season for Florida, he registered five sacks and 20 tackles. A former 5-star, McCray now has his chance to prove his status in his second year.
Secondary Losses
Jason Marshall Jr. finally left Gainesville after years of contributions. Now preparing for the NFL, Florida must lean on these young corners. Fortunately, Marshall’s running mate, Devin Moore, will be back this season. A talented player, his health is concerning. When on the field, he has been a difference maker, however, he has struggled to remain healthy. Opposite Moore, fans are expecting Dijon Johnson to get the starting role. Last season, he had 16 tackles with two pass deflections. Now entering his third season in Gainesville, it is time for him to prove himself. Cormani McClain is also a name to watch, due to his talent and recruiting past. The former 5-star came to Gainesville last Fall after transferring from Colorado. Playing sparingly, he did register a pick-6 for the Gators against Kentucky. This will be a deeper rotation, and many players will be called upon.
The One Missing Piece
As mentioned above, the Gators return four out of five starting offensive linemen. The lone loss is Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, who recently competed in the NFL Combine. Playing tackle, the entire interior of the line remained intact. This is a talented unit, headlined by AP All-American Jake Slaughter. The Gators Center was graded as one of the best offensive linemen in the entire country. Now, replacing Dickson won’t be easy, as he was a stone wall for Florida. Early indications would probably point to Bryce Lovett taking over his role. Lovett started three games last season and is now heading into camp as the starter. A younger offensive lineman, this Spring Window presents an opportunity. If Florida wants to compete for the national championship, the offensive line must keep Lagway intact. This Spring allows Lovett to show the coaching staff why he should be seen as the one missing piece.
Receivers Revamped
Both Elijhah Badger and Chimere Dike competed in the NFL Combine. Turning heads, each receiver boosted their draft stock. Dike impressed scouts, as he ran a blistering 4.34 40-yard dash. Replacing these receivers won’t be an easy task for the Gators. Fortunately, Eugene Wilson III is back after an injury-riddled sophomore campaign. As a freshman, he was an All-SEC player and finished with six touchdowns. When healthy, he displayed the versatility to be the Gators’ number one receiver. Turning to the transfer portal to add some help, the Gators received a commitment from J. Michael Sturdivant. The former UCLA Bruin had 315 yards last season, including a big game against USC. A veteran presence, he could be in line for a big role, filling in as the Badger replacement. Aidan Mizell should get the third starting spot, after a redshirt freshman season in which he compiled 202 receiving yards.
Coaching Staff
This offseason has been quite the rollercoaster for the Florida Gators. After a season that ended with considerable momentum, the offseason has been up and down. Specifically, the coaching staff has seen its fair share of shakeups. Secondary coach Will Harris decided to leave Gainesville, joining their rival, the Miami Hurricanes. Fans were quite shocked by this move, as he made real strides in his first season. An important presence on the recruiting trail, his loss stung and seemed to hurt some of the momentum. However, the Gators were quick to add his replacements. After his loss, it was imperative that the rest of the staff stayed together. After some rumors of another departure, defensive line coach Gerald Chatman decided to return to Gainesville. A huge win for Florida, the coaching staff is now set for the 2025 season.
Main Image: Bob Self/Florida Times-Union
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