RG Jon Halapio has been one of the best players on the offensive line the past two seasons. (Orlando Sentinel file photo)
After a great vacation, I’m back with a continued look at Florida’s football team by position following spring practice. Up next is the offensive line. You can check the previous breakdowns of the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and tight ends/fullbacks.
Top players: Xavier Nixon (Sr., 6-6, 309), James Wilson (RSr., 6-4, 327), Jonotthan Harrison (RJr., 6-3, 309), Jon Halapio (RJr., 6-3, 325), Matt Patchan (RJr., 6-6, 279), Chaz Green (RSo., 6-5, 300)
Strengths: Experience. The offensive line struggled last year with depth and a lack of experience. But this season, the Gators return four regular starters – Nixon at left tackle, Harrison at center, Halapio at right guard and Patchan at right tackle. Green got plenty of experience despite an ankle injury and Wilson returns for his sixth season after winning an NCAA appeal. The experience returning doesn’t guarantee the line will be better, but it should be better prepared for an SEC schedule and be more cohesive.
Weaknesses: Numbers and depth. Last season, Florida didn’t have the bodies it needed to compete in practice and games. While that has improved this year, UF is still short of where Will Muschamp would like it to be. Ideally, the second-year coach would like 15-18 players at the position. The Gators currently have 13 on scholarship. Some gained experience last year, but others remain question marks. Redshirt freshmen Trip Thurman and Tommy Jordan didn’t play last year after having shoulder surgery. True freshmen D.J. Humphries and Jessamen Dunker enrolled early, but can they make contributions at a position that takes a while to develop?
Outlook: With most of the line returning and a new position coach in Tim Davis, there’s plenty of room for improvement here. Increased depth leaves the hope that can happen, and it will need to if the offense will finish better than 105th, as it did last season.