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Junior Ronald Powell has continued to make progress at the Buck position this spring, UF coach Will Muschamp said. (Photo courtesy of UF Communications)
Florida held its second scrimmage of the season on Saturday, although the day was shortened by lightning and thunderstorms here in Gainesville. Coach Will Muschamp met with the media Monday for the last time before the spring game on Saturday, so here are a few updates:
– There is still little to no separation in the QB competition and a starter isn’t likely to be named until the fall. Muschamp said the performance of sophomores Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel in the spring game would be important, but repeated that it’s only one day of 15 this spring that they’ll be evaluated on.
“Right now, honestly, looking at going through the spring, I don’t know that we will name a starter after spring,” he said. “We’re going to go into the fall camp. That, to me, is becoming more and more evident every day that they’re both guys are guys we can win with.”
– Freshman WR Latroy Pittman and junior Buck Ronald Powell were the players of the day on offense and defense, respectively, Muschamp said. Pittman has passed some of the more veteran receivers, and not just because of a lack of depth, Muschamp said.
“He understands every-down performance, blocking and doing things you gotta do to be successful, and reading coverages and seeing coverages,” Muschamp said of Pittman. “He goes out and makes plays.”
– While some players are still banged up, Muschamp expected Solomon Patton (groin), Ja’Juan Story (ankle) and Stephen Alli (groin) to return to practice on Monday.
– With the majority of the offensive line back, the unit has continued to progress, Muschamp said.
“Marked improvement up front from a year ago at this time, or at any time last year,” he said. “That position takes time and those guys have continued to take strides and really, really pleased with what they’ve done.”
Florida’s starting offensive line has been senior Xavier Nixon at left tackle, sixth-year senior James Wilson at left guard, redshirt junior Jonotthan Harrison at center, redshirt junior Jon Halapio at right guard and redshirt junior Matt Patchan at right tackle. Redshirt sophomore Chaz Green has also been playing at right tackle.
Freshmen Jessamen Dunker and D.J. Humphries, who both enrolled in January, have also made an impression thus far.
“Jessamen Dunker’s gonna be a really good football player. How quickly and how fast, I don’t know, but he’s doing some nice things; he’s made strides,” said Muschamp. “D.J. Humphries continues to impress.”
– With Florida ranking 77th nationally last year with 7.12 yards per punt return, that’s been a work in progress this offseason. Muschamp said the Gators are trying several players at the position, including CB Louchiez Purifoy, WR Andre Debose, S De’Ante Saunders, CB Marcus Roberson, WR Frankie Hammond Jr. and RB Trey Burton.
Debose, who has a school record three kickoff returns for touchdowns in his career, is someone the Gators are looking to as a possible punt returner.
He and most of the players on that list are in the mix with RB Omarius Hines for kickoff returns, Muschamp said.
