Swamp247 breaks down our projection of the depth chart on offense for fall camp.
Graham Hall
With the offseason in full swing, and UF's roster set for fall camp, it's time toproject Florida's depth chart as best as possible, which has mainly been determined through chats with sources and observing the Orange and Blue game, considering the media was limited to approximately 15 minutes of observation throughout spring practice.
Here's a projection of the offense:
Quarterback
QB: Graham Mertz / DJ Lagway / Clay Millen
Overview:For the first time in Billy Napier's tenure at Florida, the Gators return their starting quarterback in Graham Mertz, giving the offense a proven leader to run the system in 2024. Behind Mertz, Florida has arguably the most hyped freshman signal-caller in the nation in DJ Lagway, who may play an undetermined role during his inaugural season with the Gators. Furthermore, UF desired to add experience behind the pair, adding Clay Millen by way of Colorado State. The familiarity with the offense coupled with the improved depth at the position gives the Gators one of the more capable quarterback units in the country.
Running back
RB: Montrell Johnson / Treyaun Webb / Jadan Baugh OR KD Daniels / Ja'Kobi Jackson
Overview:Montrell Johnson returns for his senior season at Florida, and he should have an even larger workload in 2024 after the departure of Trevor Etienne. Behind Johnson, Webb has made strides throughout the offseason, and he should be the No. 2 back – unless Baugh, who flashed throughout the spring, pushes for the job at some point during the regular season. In aiding the by-committee approach, the Gators are high on freshman rusher KD Daniels, while Ja'Kobi Jackson showcased he has the ability to contribute at junctures, too, if the need were to arise.
Wide receiver
Z: Eugene Wilson III / Marcus Burke
X: Elijhah Badger / Kahleil Jackson / Ja'Quavion Fraziars
H: Chimere Dike / Aidan Mizell
Overview:The Gators needed to improve their depth at the wide receiver position this offseason after the departure of leading wideout Ricky Pearsall, and UF did just that in mid-May, securing a commitment from Arizona State transfer Elijhah Badger. Immediately, Badger will contend with Kahleil Jackson for a starting role, and the former should be favored to win the job based on his collegiate experience and proven production. Eugene Wilson III, however, has the highest expectations of the group, given his impressive freshman season, and he should be a go-to guy for Mertz and Co. Yet one can't rule out Dike having an impactful season after he proved to be a consistent target for Mertz while the duo were at Wisconsin. Finally, there are players behind the group with various levels of experience looking to make an impact, including second-year pass-catchers Aidan Mizell and Andy Jean, along with veterans Marcus Burke and Ja'Quavion Fraziars.
Tight end
Y: Arlis Boardingham / Tony Livingston / Keon Zipperer
H: Hayden Hansen / Tony Livingston
Overview:After impressive second seasons at Florida, Arlis Boardingham and Hayden Hansen are poised to pick up where they left off in 2023 when the 2024 season arrives. Boardingham is considered to be a dynamic athlete, although he can further improve in the open field, while Hansen proved to be a capable blocker who can produce in the pass-catching game. Behind the duo, Tony Livingston had an impressive spring, and he should be the next man up at the position this season. Though, a contribution from Keon Zipperer can not be written off – if he's fully healthy, that is. Zipperer still had progress to make in spring, but if he can be full-go by the start of the season, he should be a factor in the pass-catching game, too.
Offensive line
LT: Austin Barber / Devon Manuel
LG: Knijeah Harris / Bryce Lovett / Jason Zandamela
C: Jake Slaughter / Rod Kearney
RG: Damieon George Jr. / Christian Williams / Jason Zandamela
RT: Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson / Kamryn Waites
Overview:Austin Barber's 2023 season didn't go according to plan, yet he should get another opportunity to showcase his abilities when fall camp arrives, considering he will be fully healthy for the first time in nearly a year. If he's not, the Gators have improved the depth behind him, adding Devon Manuel from Arkansas, to protect Mertz's blindside. At guard, Knijeah Harris looks to build off of his debut season at left guard, while Damieon George Jr. has moved inside to right guard from right tackle, a position he feels is more appropriate for his frame and skill set. After being thrust into action due to an injury to Kingsley Eguakun last season, Jake Slaughter enters the year as the projected starting center, and he should remain in the role through fall camp and into the season, although Roderick Kearney has continued to progress behind him, and it's possible Kearney rotates in at times this season. Finally, the right tackle position added a player with experience at both tackle spots in Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson by way of San Diego State, giving the Gators a proven player at right tackle, albeit one who will need to step up to the improved level of talent in the SEC. Behind Crenshaw-Dickson, Kam Waites continues to push for repetitions, and he has a chance to contribute, too.
