GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Every week Gators Online holds a live chat for our members. On Wednesday night, we answered questions about the biggest surprises in fall camp so far, Florida’s offensive line and more.
Below are some of the highlights. Click here to read to the full live chat.
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Who has been the biggest surprise through camp so far? — @Andrew Bonelli
Zach Abolverdi : So far, it’s been sophomore Andy Jean . He’s had a great first week coming off the hamstring injury that sidelined him in the spring and looks like he’ll have a bigger role this year. Also surprised by Ja’Kobi Jackson being high in the running back rotation, even before Montrell Johnson Jr .’s injury.
Nick de la Torre : I think Joey Slackman might get back into a potential starting role over Caleb Banks. That’s something I didn’t think would happen after spring but could see it now. I like what I’m hearing about Jadan Baugh picking up the pass pro part of playing RB . That’s huge and could get him on the field. Keep hearing Kahleil Jackson ‘s name as well.
How much better will we be on defense? Can the offense reach potential with average to below average tackle play? — @ MSEGator
Zach Abolverdi : It’s hard to predict where the Gators defense will rank nationally by season’s end, bu they should be better overall and significantly better in some areas, such as missed tackles, sacks, takeaways and pass defense. I think the transfer additions of Asa Turner , Pup Howard and Joey Slackman will help improve those areas. On the other side of the ball, ultimately the depth is just improved at every spot along the offensive line. The staff no longer has to eat it if someone isn’t playing well. They can and will play the next guy.
Nick de la Torre : I think both LB and the secondary were greatly upgraded. Asa Turner is a huge addition and he’s going to be a significant upgrade next to Castell … significant. I like Turner and Bridges. Castell is a year older and more experienced. Corners should be more confident playing with those guys behind them. I’m cautiously optimistic that Barber will be better. I think he’s a solid starting LT, not a 1st team ALL-SEC guy but a solid starter who was greatly hampered by injuries last year. The right side is a concern to me … but again, I’m very much on record saying I’m not taking the staff’s confidence in the OL at face value. I have questions.
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Is Kearney a legit threat to take over at right guard? If the right side of the O-line holds up, we’re going to have a legit offense. — @ GatorGuyDallas
Zach Abolverdi : I think he’s a threat, but how much will depend on how Damieon George Jr . and Kamryn Waites perform at right guard this month, especially in the scrimmages. If they struggle or don’t play with enough consistency, Kearney will get a shot. The addition of USC transfer Jason Zandamela at the center position has opened the door for Kearny to potentially get on the field faster.
Nick de la Torre : I’m not super high on Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson . That comes from talking to a Mountain West coach who faced him more than once though, less on what we’ve seen because we really don’t get to see a lot of OL vs DL. I think Kearny SHOULD start at right guard. I questioned even moving him to center last year. Now I think you have Jake Slaughter for 2 years and Jason Zandamela behind him. Rod should go back to guard and I think he’s better than George, personally.
Now that we’re into fall camp, what’s your prediction on the most common starting O-line and then if you had to go out on a limb with a bold take who would be in that starting O-line? — @ Dr. Gator
Zach Abolverdi : Most common: Barber, Harris, Slaughter, George/Waites, BCD. Youth movement: Barber, Harris, Slaughter, Kearney, Jones.
Nick de la Torre : Most common: Barber, Knijeah, Slaughter, George, BCD. Bold take: Barber, Knijeah, Slaughter, Kearney, BCD/Jones.
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