Florida is getting closer to settling its offensive line, and Jon Sumrall sounds like a coach who can finally see the picture coming into focus.
After Monday’s press conference, the Florida head coach said the Gators are “really close” to locking in the group up front. For now, the projected first five has Bryce Lovett at left tackle, Knijeah Harris at left guard, Harrison Moore at center, TJ Shanahan Jr. at right guard and Emeka Ugorji at right tackle.
That said, nothing is set in stone yet. Sumrall made clear the staff still plans to cycle through multiple linemen in the first two games against FAU and Campbell while it keeps sorting out the best long-term combination.
“But I do think you’re seeing other guys. [TJ] Dice at tackle.
Eagan Boyer tackle, and Caden Jones at tackle are all still very much alive. I would probably predict in the first couple games you’re still going to see us play a decent number of guys to work through it and see what gives us our best long-term group,” Sumrall said.
“But that’s where we are today. And in the interior, we’ve got several other guys.
I think Rod Kearney’s had a really good training camp. He’s kind of elevated as a guard that I think we can play with and win.
And so, just kind of working through it. But that’s where we are right now.”
Sumrall has been candid for weeks about the concerns around this unit. The line has lacked both experience and proven production on tape, and the coach also pointed to the fact that it didn’t benefit from a proper strength and conditioning program in earlier years.
Still, Saturday’s scrimmage gave him reason to breathe easier. Florida’s front showed real improvement in the run game, and Sumrall said it was the group’s best outing since he arrived in Gainesville.
“I’ve had more concern up until this past week on the O-line. The O-line played their best scrimmage, their best football Saturday night since I’ve been here.
I was freaking jacked. I was excited,” Sumrall said.
“Offensive line has started to show more cohesion. Guys have elevated in certain spots.”
Lovett has been one of the biggest risers. The redshirt junior has reshaped his body this offseason, dropping 43 pounds of fat while adding 22 pounds of lean mass. Over the summer alone, he lost 16 pounds and added four pounds of lean mass.
He’s worked at both guard and tackle, but he was at left tackle in Florida’s second fall scrimmage and helped fuel an opening-drive touchdown. Sumrall was quick to point to his growth.
“Bryce Lovett can be as good as he wants to be,” Sumrall said. I’ve challenged him.
Our staff’s challenged him. He’s responded.
I think he has really elevated at tackle. He’s played a lot of guard.
He’s played some tackle.”
“But the first play of the scrimmage the other night, I’m not going to give every detail, but the first drive, the best player on the first drive of the scrimmage the other night was either Jadan Baugh or Bryce Lovett - one of the two. The first drive was like, OK, let’s go. So he’s elevated.”
With the starting five beginning to take shape, Florida is also getting a better handle on how practice reps will be divided. The staff is still evaluating, but Sumrall said the group is building confidence and showing more edge.
“I think they’re gaining confidence,” Sumrall said. “Phil’s [Trautwein] done a really great job coaching them, and they’re starting to find their competitive edge and just how they have to play the game the right way.
The O-line’s got to play with a little bit of chip on their shoulder, a little bit of the swagger, and a little bit of bravado. You got to bring it.
You started to feel that last week.”
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