Florida Spring Football: Welcome Bala; Freshmen Stand Out

Florida football continued its spring training with day three on Tuesday afternoon.

As usual, the media got a 15-minute peek at what was going on at practice. Here’s what’s new:

What We Saw

Newly hired co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach Robert Bala had his players working hard in his first day of practice.

New #Gators co-defensive coordinator/inside linebacker coach Robert Bala conducting drills on his first day of practice.@ESPNGainesville pic.twitter.com/RlHQp8FsLm

— Nick Abreu (@NickAbreu13) March 11, 2025

Bala most recently worked with Washington in 2024 as the inside linebackers coach and at Alabama in 2023 as the linebackers coach.

Freshman quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. had a breakout day at camp. His arm talent was apparent in throwing drills to receivers. He made a nice connection with walk-on receiver Jackson Wade on a deep ball in the practice. It’s clear he has the ability to be the backup for DJ Lagway as early as this season, but his lack of experience will probably keep him from seeing much of the field, even if Lagway were to miss time.

Co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Rob Sale said Jones Jr. “Leads by example like he’s a veteran.”

https://twitter.com/RileySullivan53/status/1899581109903429982

In the receiver room, Dallas Wilson is still the standout. Wilson’s size and control makes him SEC ready immediately. Even as a freshman, he’ll be competing with players like Aidan Mizell and Tank Hawkins for a starting role in the offense, and it’s not a long shot to say he’ll beat them out.

“He’s a complete freak,” said tight end Hayden Hansen.

Top-50 national recruit Dallas Wilson showing off his strength in blocking drills. Wilson is 6-foot-3, 209 lbs.@ESPNGainesville #Gators pic.twitter.com/KP1H3x80SH

— Nick Abreu (@NickAbreu13) March 11, 2025

Wade, the walk-on, also had an impressive day. He caught the deep ball on the pass from Jones Jr. and overall looked shifty in his route running.

What They Said

The improvement of the defense as the 2024 season went on was a major talking point for the Gators. Although they’ve lost some important pieces, especially off the edge, they’re confident that side of the ball will continue to improve.

Defensive line coach Gerald Chatman stressed the importance of getting defensive lineman Jamari Lyons back from injury. He practiced in a limited fashion after being completely absent previously. Coming into his redshirt-junior season, he is one of the more veteran players on the interior of the line.

“It’s a blessing to have him back,” Chatman said. “He has an impact on other guys.”

The freshman duo of Stephon Shivers and Jayden Woods were also shouted out.

Shivers was described as the new Desmond Banks, measuring in at 6-foot-4, 399 pounds. He’s not quite as big but will be used to clog up the middle in the run game. Chatman said he’s not quite ready yet. He wants him to be tough and is challenging him to be so in the opening of spring camp.

Woods is more likely to make an impact immediately. Edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. described him as violent, emphasizing his aggression on the pass rush.

Freshman edge Jayden Woods shedding a block in drills. He has been the talk of camp so far, especially in the weight room.@ESPNGainesville #Gators pic.twitter.com/Sd4HDApBKJ

— Nick Abreu (@NickAbreu13) March 11, 2025

Hansen also spoke to the media about his improvements in the offseason.

He said he was working a lot with the receiver room to improve his route running and downfield ability. He said he hopes to be a difference maker in both the pass game and the blocking game.

What’s Next

The Gators have their next spring practice on Thursday.

The Orange and Blue Game will take place on April 12.