I am really happy about this. (George staying) George struggled his first year as a Gator, but came around very well at his new spot on the line in 2024. And George is one MASSIVE individual. Sometimes it seemed he was the biggesst dude on the field and that included Watson. With George comng back, and as long as no-one else that was a contributor last year leaves, UF is going to have the entire returning core of the Offensive line coming back. + UF has several developmental guys they recruited over the last two years that should be moving up into the PT rotation. If UF can keep this unit together and add a piece or two in the portal, the Gators should be in good shape with this position group.
And Jake just confirmed he's coming back for his senior year. Really liking UF keeping their own, whom are good and understand the coaching and players around them. Just hope this keeps up with guys not going pro or transferring! I think keeping our core productive guys is mission 1.
https://247sports.com/college/flori...pier-quotes-gasparilla-bowl-tulane-242266649/ Napier today: On if Florida's finished with the retention aspect or if it's ongoing still: "Yeah, I think for the most part. I mean, you know, nothing surprises me anymore. I think we got, for the most part, most of that is done. You know, there's a handful of things that we got to get resolved, but look, until they show up for class in January, you know, I think it's not a done deal, right? In a perfect world you would have some type of document you could sign that would kind of lock them in, but we don't have that so, but we gotta, we still have some work to do. We want to add a couple more players to our team, some positions in particular, but in general, I'd say – Mike Hodges is a legendary coach in Georgia high school circles that he used to say, don't let the 5%, you know, distract you from the 95% that are doing it the right way."
Has anybody gotten any kind of a read from Tyreak? Dude just has to stay and line up with Banks next year
It’s great Slaughter and George are coming back. Need more good news at OT. If both Barber and Manuel come back, UF is looking at having a special OL in 2025. Haven’t heard about UF looking at top OTs in the portal right now, so that bodes well for their projected return. The backlash with both Slaughter and George coming back is retaining the young OG/OC talent who are ready for PT. Roster recruiting is such a slippery slope these days.
Branch bothers... package deal. Do we need the next level kick and punt returner and his 6'2" safety, brother? I wonder if we're looking at the Branch bothers from USC... USC All-American WR Zachariah Branch to Enter Transfer Portal Alongside Brother Zion
Lovett could be in position to start at RT also or swing between RG and RT, opening up Kearney for more time at the guard positions and center. Retaining them for the next year with Harris and Zandamela has to be a priority now.
Even with all the stars UF has had at the "skill" positions, the winning formula has always started at the LOS. We win when we control the line. That and a gifted DC. Nothing groundbreaking here, but it often gets lost in the pursuit of the perimeter players. When SOS started focusing on the LOS and got a DC worth a damn we went from a spectacular show to a national champion. And the other guy who won championships had some beasts on the LOS and a future NFL head coach as a DC. I like what is happening on the OL. I currently have mixed feelings about the DL given the portal and graduation, but I'm patient. The process will win out. And I'm hoping it was Roberts who was responsible for the defensive turnaround.
I saw a roster breakdown from Cam Parker. UF is currently sitting at 84 scholarship players- not much room left to add too many more players. The staff is going hard for another safety that'll put the roster at 85. I want another edge and a NT type D-lineman, but they'll have to lose players at other positions to stick at 85 in the fall.
We will have round 2 after the spring game and players get an idea where they stand on the 2-3 deep roster. I see more defections and additions after that
Absolutely. They can go over 85 for spring, but will have be at 85 for fall camp. So if UF wants to add players at LB, edge and NT, they'll have to lose three players at other positions.
The RB room will have turnover in the spring. Baugh and Jakobi Jackson will probably start off #1 and #2. Webb and KD Daniels will battle for #3 and #4. I could see one of them push for #2 reps. Three freshman - Clark, Louis and Gasper. Will we really have seven scholarship RBs in the fall? WR room is another one to watch. I'd guess we'll lose 1-2 in the spring. And I think Mizell will become a star this year.
When can we make trades? Sounds like we could afford to trade a wr/rb for LB or DL guy. How crazy would that be if you can trade a guy?
Here's Parker's roster break down (very thorough): The Count to 105: Florida Gators Roster Updates Is Smack coming back or going to the draft? If he does go it opens a spot. I think Daniels will compete for a lot of PT at RB. His speed brings a different and very valuable skill set to the position.
