So long, Donald R. Dizney Lacrosse Stadium. School is back in session at the University of Florida and the Gators’ fall football camp has come to a close.
Here are 10 things we learned from the Gators’ training camp this month.
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* Handicapping Florida's quarterback battle
* Projecting the defensive depth chart for week-one
* Projecting the offensive depth chart for week-one
* Zaire in the middle of another quarterback battle
* Notebook: No leader named in starting quarterback battle
* Alley: Criminal compliant filed against Florida lineman
* Thursday football practice insider notes
* On the Mark: Five thoughts on the seven suspensions
* Tuesday football practice notes
* Monday football practice insider notes
* McElwain talks suspensions and injuries
* GET TWO MONTHS OF FREE ACCESS
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1. Kadarius Toney catches on fast: There’s a noticeable difference in first practice Toney - who looked a little out of place playing wide receiver after spending the spring at quarterback - and end of camp Toney. Simply put, the freshman from Eight Mile, Ala. is a quick learner and will definitely be a factor this season as a slot receiver, probably taking snaps away from Dre Massey.
2. Shawn Davis was probably underrated as a recruit: It’s not surprising that C.J. Henderson, Brad Stewart and Marco Wilson got the most fanfare of the six freshmen defensive back signees as they were the highest rated. Davis, it appears, may have been underrated, as the former three-star prospect has earned significant playing time – possibly even a starting spot – in the secondary.
3. Freddie Swain is back and better than ever: Swain is turning heads this fall and pushing to be a major factor in the passing game. Jim McElwain has been impressed with how Swain handled his rehab from shoulder surgery, and the former four-star recruit might be the wideout to take Antonio Callaway’s starting spot against Michigan.
4. Joseph Putu may have been overlooked this offseason: When safety Marcell Harris went down with a knee injury, many pointed to the freshmen cornerbacks and safety Jeawon Taylor as the players most likely to step up, depending on where Chauncey Gardner lined up. Putu appears more likely to start at cornerback than any freshman besides Wilson, who’s working at nickel.
5. Kyle Trask was never really in the quarterback competition for 2017: The spring storyline was Trask vs. Feleipe Franks, but as soon as Luke Del Rio returned to health and Malik Zaire arrived, Trask became an afterthought. If he doesn’t transfer, Trask is a solid depth piece as someone mechanically strong and familiar with Doug Nussmeier’s offense, but it’s hard to imagine him starting any time soon.
6. Jordan Scarlett should be even harder to tackle: Already one of the toughest backs to bring down in the SEC , Scarlett told reporters he has focused on adding strength to his lower body and legs. He says he has upped the weight he squats from 520 pounds to in the neighborhood of 580-600 pounds.
7. Jachai Polite is coming on strong at defensive end: This is supposed to be former five-star recruit Antonneous Clayton’s breakout year, but the defensive end to look for off the bench right now is Polite. Cece Jefferson and Jabari Zuniga have starting spots secured and veteran Jordan Sherit will get his share of snaps, but Polite has had an impressive camp with little fanfare.
8. Jeremiah Moon can do a little bit of everything: One of the more fascinating tidbits to come out of camp media opportunities was when Clayton recalled Moon (listed at 6-6, 228) showing off his pass-coverage abilities against Brandon Powell (5-8, 189). “Brandon ran like a slant route and (Moon) covered him all the way up to the pass and broke up the pass. I’m like. I just stood there like, ‘This guy is going to be something special.’”
9. If a linebacker goes down, buckle up: With Kylan Johnson missing significant time due to injury, the Gators can really only be confident in three linebackers right now: Moon, Vosean Joseph and David Reese. Limited linebacker depth might lead to even more nickel packages than previously expected.
10. Malik Davis is the freshman running back to watch: The Gators have five available running backs this season, but don’t expect a five-headed monster after the running back by committee approach resulted in the SEC’s worst rushing offense last season. McElwain doesn’t shy away from giving a freshman carries, and Davis looks to have jumped Mark Thompson as the No. 3 running back this season behind Scarlett and Lamical Perine.
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