Florida’s third fall practice brought the first real look at how the Gators are sorting through a few key jobs, and the biggest one is still wide open.
Quarterbacks Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. kept taking turns on short, intermediate and deep throws Friday, Aug. 7, at the Sanders Practice Fields as Florida pushed through another morning workout in camp. Philo’s best moment came on a wheel route to running back Jadan Baugh, where he dropped the ball into stride. Jones answered with a strong deep throw down the sideline to tight end Amir Jackson.
For now, there’s no rush to settle it. First-year coach Jon Sumrall said there is "no timeline" on making the quarterback decision.
Philo, a redshirt sophomore transfer from Georgia Tech, already has familiarity with new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner from their time together there. Jones, a redshirt freshman, spent last season backing up DJ Lagway.
Florida has four more weeks of practices before opening the season Sept. 5 at The Swamp against Florida Atlantic. That game is set for 7:45 p.m. on SEC Network, and Sumrall said the Gators will continue practicing in the morning, a routine they used in spring.
"The guys that were here previously, then went through the spring, and got the format of the morning practice schedule, seemed to really enjoy it," Sumrall said. "And it felt like, you know, we got the best of their day in regard to waking up, being fresh and ready to go.
And so we're going to continue that. And also, I think late in the week it helps you in-season maybe be fast and fresh on Saturday, which is kind of important.”
The Gators also turned up the physicality a notch, working through blocking and tackling drills, though they still haven’t gone to full pads.
A few players were held out of live action and worked elsewhere. Wide receiver Dallas Wilson, who said earlier in the week he was 100 percent after dealing with lingering foot issues, spent time on the side catching passes on the JUGS machine instead of joining the live passing work.
Senior defensive end Kam James, who tied for the team lead with 3.5 sacks last season, was also working with trainers at the indoor training facility. Freshman safety Kaiden Hall and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Jahari Medlock were there as well.
On the offensive line, redshirt sophomore Fletcher Westphal, listed at 6-8 and 309 pounds, was working with the group during drills. Westphal is in a battle with Emeka Ugorji and Eagen Boyer for the starting spot at left tackle.
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