If the Florida Gators want to win in 2024, it starts in the trenches
After a disappointing start to Billy Napier’s tenure, all the pressure is on the former Louisiana Lafayette coach to finally break through in 2024 in order to keep his job. But there’s just one problem. The Gators face the toughest schedule in the nation according to CBS Sports. While the first half of the schedule is no walk in the park, the Gators have a gauntlet in its last five games– facing Georgia, Texas, LSU, Ole Miss and Florida State to finish out the season. Just going 6-6 could be considered a successful year for the Gators considering the quality of teams they face.
The good news is that Florida should be competent at quarterback, the most important position on the field. That is because sixth-year quarterback Graham Mertz decided to return for his final season of college eligibility. Mertz was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the SEC last season, throwing for 20 touchdowns and three interceptions while possessing a 72.9 percent completion percentage. The Gators have also provided Mertz with an assortment of skill weapons: including Eugene Wilson III, Arizona State transfer Elijhah Badger, Wisconsin transfer Chimere Dike and running back Montrell Johnson. But none of that will matter if Florida doesn’t improve their play in the trenches. Last season made it clear that the Gators are still multiple tiers below the SEC’s best when it comes to line play. On paper, Florida improved their offensive line by adding tackles Brandon Crenshaw-Dickinson and Devon Manuel through the transfer portal and the rise of sophomore Knijeah Harris. Plus Damieon George, who struggled at right tackle last season, moved to right guard
“I think we brought in some great pieces. These other guys we brought in in the portal, young bucks, are stepping into that role. I think you see it through our strength training throughout the winter and the summer. Guys truly changed their bodies. That’s the biggest thing I see. I look up there and I’m like ‘holy crap, these guys are huge and they can bend’,” Mertz told reporters recently. “That’s the biggest thing. When you look at an O-lineman and he’s just big it’s like, ‘ok, he’s big, what can you do. Can he bend, can he move, can he do everything he needs to do’. That’s the biggest thing I see. The run game, pass game, guys are executing their assignment, being in the right place with the right hand/head placement. All those little details of playing the position. They’ve taken a huge jump this season.” But early reports from fall camp have suggested that the right side of the offensive line, which includes George and Crenshaw-Dickinson, have struggled in practice. Left tackle Austin Barber also missed spring practice, which means the starting line has had less time to build chemistry than they otherwise would have. It is fair to say that Florida’s offense hinges on how much the offensive line can improve from last year’s disastrous performance. If they can’t give Mertz a clean pocket, the deep passing and big plays that Napier and co-offensive coordinators Rob Sale and Russ Callaway have tried stressing in spring and fall won’t come to fruition. Without those plays, Florida won’t be able to pull off upsets in games they’re likely outmatched from a talent standpoint.
Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-florida/article291158425.html#storylink=cpy
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