Florida’s Offense on Day Ten of Fall Football Camp

The Florida Gator football team returned to practice on Monday for their 10th day of fall camp under new head coach Billy Napier. Below are observations from the media viewing portion of practice with a focus on the offensive side of the ball. 

Season Fast Approaching 

Wide receiver Trent Whittemore shared how the excitement and the urgency the team is building as the season approaches. The Gators will play Utah in their season opener on September 3.

With the prime time game right around the corner, the Gators are putting their everything into each practice at fall camp. “Practice 10 to 15 is going to be very competitive for our football team,” Napier said. 

“We’re excited to be in the national spotlight week one. These are the games you dream about growing up.” – @trentt_whitt on playing prime time pic.twitter.com/o2OtBeZmqw

— Ellie Shreve (@ellie_shreve) August 15, 2022

Wide Receivers 

Two Gainesville natives were looking very promising during Monday’s viewing period of practice. Alongside Whittemore was Kahleil Jackson who ran drills with the second team. The receivers ran zig zag drills, working on footwork and agility and making sharp cuts with receivers coach Keary Colbert. 

#Gators WR ⁦@Kayjay22times⁩ and ⁦@trentt_whitt⁩ running zig zag drills pic.twitter.com/sTuQyMoNNz

— Ellie Shreve (@ellie_shreve) August 15, 2022

Jackson certainly stood out during Monday’s practice, living up to the praise given by Whittemore during Monday’s media availability. “He’s a super athletic kid, he just makes a lot of plays that kinda wow you,” Whittemore said. 

Gator Nation will definitely be seeing a lot of Whittemore and Jackson as they are expected to be in the rotation this season. Whittemore spoke on how the two both formerly played quarterback in high school and how this experience continues to influence their performance at the receiving end.

Meanwhile, Ricky Pearsall remained on the sidelines in a non-contact jersey. Pearsall suffered a bone bruise in his left foot and is day-to-day. The Arizona State transfer was quick to impress teammates and media alike during the early part of fall camp. Pearsall has been observed without a boot the past two practices. Pearsall was seen stretching and riding the stationary bike on Monday. Whittemore complimented Pearsall’s wisdom and skill and added how “he definitely gives us a spark.”.

Additionally, Ja’Markis Weston was dressed in a non-contact jersey while working with director of player athletic development Joe Danos. Weston was also observed riding a stationary bike on the sidelines. 

Quarterbacks 

During Monday’s media availability, Napier evaluated the performance of the quarterbacks during Florida’s first fall scrimmage. 

The quarterbacks were definitely putting the work in during Monday’s practice. Starting quarterback Anthony Richardson and backup Jack Miller III got off to a great start with accurate completions during drills. As the viewing period continued, Napier demanded precision from the quarterbacks as a few mistakes were made and a throw by Richardson on a corner was asked to be repeated.

Whittemore spoke on the progression he has seen with Richardson. “I think he’s grown just from a QB standpoint of reading the field and delivering really great balls. I think he’s grown in a lot of aspects and I’m really excited to see what he does in the fall,” Whittemore said. 

Nice connection between Richardson and Whittemore
⁦@GVOaant⁩ ⁦@trentt_whitt⁩ pic.twitter.com/LSGEDfCy0A

— Ellie Shreve (@ellie_shreve) August 15, 2022

Meanwhile, Max Brown and Kyle Engel were seen taking reps alongside Richardson and Miller. Jalen Kitna was not observed on Monday. The redshirt freshman had a small procedure last week for an undisclosed injury that has kept him from camp for seven practices. 

Tight Ends 

Dante Zanders stood out among the tight ends during Monday’s viewing period. The tight ends were observed working on blocking technique with tight ends coach William Peagler. The players paired up with one partner simulating a rusher while the other worked on blocking. It was the first time the tight ends had run this specific drill. 

Additionally, tight end Arlis Boardingham was observed in a non-contact jersey with a sling on his right arm. His injury is unknown. Monday’s viewing period marked the first practice he has been seen wearing the sling and not participating.

Offensive Line 

Napier spoke on his growing confidence in Florida’s offensive line as well as the current competition at the position. 

The offensive line split into two groups during Monday’s viewing portion of practice. Florida offensive coordinator Rob Sale was observed working with centers Kingsley Eguakun, Jake Slaughter, Riley Simonds and Christian Williams.  

Meanwhile, Florida offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton was seen coaching starting tackles Richard Gouraige and Michael Tarquin. Tarquin performed really well during the blocking drills. 

Additionally, Ethan White returned to unlimited participation during Monday’s viewing period. White was wearing a non-contact jersey for the first time on Friday and was out on Saturday for Florida’s first fall scrimmage.