Florida Gators Q&A: What to expect from the Gators in 2024 – Part 2

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators will report for fall camp on Tuesday, July 30 with the first day on the grass coming July 31. In preparation for camp opening up, Gators Online reached out to our members to see what they wanted to know heading into the season. We split up the questions into two parts.

You can read part one here.

StevieBGator: Once again the RB room is the best group on offense. Do you anticipate any 2 back sets to get our best players on the field more?

I do not. Last season Florida used two running back sets eight (8) times. Here’s a very detailed breakdown of how the Gators lined up in 2023.

BigTXgator: What statistical category will be most improved this year?

I think it has to be tackling and turnovers. The Gators missed 116 tackles last season, according to Pro Football Focus. That was a MASSIVE issue on the team. Another stat that pops off the page is seven … the number of turnovers Florida created last year — dead last in the SEC, five less than Mississippi State. In fact, only Temple (5) forced less turnovers than the Gators did in 2023. That’s literally the lowest bar you can possibly tip toe over in 2024 and be improved. I think they will improve there and not marginally improve either.

Mbgators: Who leads the team in sacks?

I’m going with, what probably is the safest answer, TJ Searcy .

Coach Raz: I’ve been excited about Andy Jean since we were recruiting him. How do you see him playing out? I know he was hurt last season and didn’t get many reps. He definitely looks the part and I believe he can be electric.

I really like Andy Jean as a prospect. I think he’s got some escapability when he has the ball in his hands, good speed and is a really solid route runner. The hamstring injury keeping him out of spring camp hurts but he’s back and ready to compete. More on that competition below.

MauiGator: Do you think there is a legit competition for WR3 during camp, or is it Badger’s position to lose?

There is absolutely a competition. Zach Abolverdi and I continue to tell you that the three starting receivers are Eugene Wilson , Chimere Dike , and Kahleil Jackson . This isn’t propaganda, it’s sourced. If the season were to start today, those would be the three starting receivers. After those three there’s going to be a massive competition for reps. That group includes Elijhah Badger , Andy Jean , Aiden Mizell , Tank Hawkins , TJ Abrams , and Marcus Burke .

Zach had a great report on six freshmen who can make an instant impact in 2024 and he said this about Abrams.

“One of the most improved players this offseason , Abrams is “starting to heat up” in OTAs. He needed to get coached up at the position this spring but has caught on quick and showed that he can be an early contributor. Abrams is also one of the fastest players on the team and could return kicks.”

[RELATED: Scoop from OTAs]

The competition for the third, fourth, and fifth string snaps will be heavy in fall camp and could change from week to week.

ArchieGator: Of the games where UF has been given little to no chance to win, which one do you think they are most likely to pull off the upset?

I think LSU and FSU.

UFreak: Boring, I know but the obligatory health questions for the following: Offense: Waites Barber Zipperer Cam Carroll Badger Jean Defense Boone Plyburn Shemar Graham Moore

Kamryn Waites – Good to go, had a slight flair up in his calf but he’s fine.
Austin Barber – 100%
Keon Zipperer – Not healthy, not the same player he once was.
Cam Carroll – Not healthy. He’s working his tail off but he’s probably closer to a medical redshirt than playing. I give him all the credit in the world. The injury was devastating and he’s not giving up on the dream.
Elijhah Badger – Healthy, fully participating.
Andy Jean – 100%
Justus Boone – Mostly healthy, might be non-contact to start camp but mostly precautionary.
Jack Pyburn – Running but won’t be ready to be full-go in camp.
Shemar James – 100%
Myles Graham – Healthy. I think he might be non-contact to start camp but will participate
Devin Moore – 100%

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