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GOOD NEWS: Gator offer new contract to key man.
Fairburn (GA) Langston Hughes four-star offensive tackle Tavaris Dice is a little under a month removed from his commitment to the Auburn Tigers. They had been leading in his recruitment since a pair of visits there back in January. The team that was viewed their biggest competitor was the Florida Gators. The coaching staff in Gainesville has also gotten Dice on their campus a few times since offering last year.
Even after his commitment to Auburn, Dice made a visit to UF’s campus this past week, which saw him stay from Thursday to Saturday. This trip allowed him a much longer window to spend time with the program and coaches. Friday brought a chance to shadow one of the current players at Florida, so he can see how a day in the life is. There were plenty of highlights of the overall trip, but getting to do that may be what Dice considering the most beneficial.
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Three predictions for Florida football in 2024
Florida added two tackles via the transfer portal in Devon Manuel (Arkansas) and Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson (San Diego State) that will provide the Gators with the depth they were missing in 2023. Manuel, a redshirt junior, logged 417 snaps with the Razorbacks a season ago, owning the second-best graded run block on team according to Pro Football Focus. Crenshaw-Dickson, a 6th year senior, was a highly effective pass blocker a season ago, grading as the 54th best pass blocker in the FBS among eligible players.
The Gators’ starting left tackle, Austin Barber, battled numerous injuries a season ago that kept him on and off the field throughout Florida’s 5-7 season. Barber is currently in return to play protocol and is expected to be fully healthy come fall camp.
Redshirt junior Kam Waites is also limited during spring camp, dealing with a ‘soft tissue’ injury, according to head coach Billy Napier. Waites is working at right tackle in spring camp.
Another tackle to keep an eye on is redshirt freshman Caden Jones, who spent the majority of the 2023 sidelined with an injury.
Florida is finally getting healthier at tackle and have the most depth they’ve seen since Billy Napier arrived in Gainesville.
The interior offensive line will look different as well. Damieon George moved to guard this offseason; a position the staff thinks better suits his play style. George was unable to play guard last season due to the lack of depth at the tackle position.
Sophomore Knijeah Harris impressed in limited opportunities during his freshman campaign, grading as Florida’s best pass blocker across 86 pass blocking snaps. Harris is currently working at left guard and is expected to start at the position.
One guard to keep an eye on is Bryce Lovett, who has moved from tackle this offseason. Florida’s depth at tackle has allowed players to move around the offensive line in an effort to maximize potential. Lovett has impressed the Gators’ staff and could compete for a starting spot at guard.
I think redshirt junior Jake Slaughter will benefit from a full off season of running with the first team after splitting duties with Kingsley Eguakun last season. Slaughter is expected to start at center while redshirt freshman Rod Kearney will serve as the backup.
Secondary will be the strength of the defense
Florida ranked 112th in coverage a season ago, according to PFF. Not only do I think the Gators’ secondary will be much improved, but it will be the strength of the defense.
The Gators went through a complete overhaul at the position in the offseason, hiring DB coach Will Harris while adding four defensive backs in the transfer portal, including Washinton safety Asa Turner, who logged 42 snaps in the National Championship game just three months ago.
The return of Jason Marshall was key, an experienced cornerback with 1,973 snaps in his three-year career.
Devin Moore, another guy who has battled injuries throughout his career, is finally healthy and has put on weight this offseason. Pair his talent with Jason Marshall’s, and you have a legitimate SEC cornerback duo.
The star position is rumored to be one of the more competitive position battles this spring, with Aaron Gates, Sharif Denson, and true freshman Josiah Davis all working at the position.
The players have responded well to Will Harris’ addition. Harris brings a ton of energy and experience to a Gators’ roster that desperately needed it.
WR Aidan Mizell will have a breakout year
Redshirt freshman Aidan Mizell only appeared in two games in 2023 but looks like a completely different receiver in spring camp. The Orlando, Florida native added 12 pounds of muscle in the offseason, looking much bigger and stronger while maintaining his elite speed.
Mizell appears to be much quicker off the line of scrimmage and has refined his route running skills.
With Eugene Wilson and Chimere Dike expected to play a significant role in 2024, Florida is still searching for a third receiver to step up and produce at a high level. I think Aidan Mizell could be that guy.
