When football and versatility are in the same sentence, 300-pound linemen aren't usually what come to mind.
UF coach Urban Meyer has had the luxury of leaving the offensive line in flux during fall practice because he has multiple projected starters who can play more than one position on the line.
One of those players is junior Carl Johnson, who said it is important to have flexibility on the line in the event of an injury.
"If it's a very tight game - let's use Ole Miss last year - you don't want to have a specialist go down and you need a specialist to put back in," Johnson said. "The way coach (Steve) Addazio teaches us, he teaches offensive linemen to be versatile."
Meyer said versatility hasn't been something the Gators have had since he's been here.
The only two starters who are locked into place are Mike Pouncey and Marcus Gilbert, who are holding down the right guard and right tackle positions, respectively.
Other than those two spots, Meyer said he would go with sophomore Matt Patchan at left tackle, Johnson at left guard and Maurkice Pouncey at center if the season started tomorrow.
Johnson and Maurkice Pouncey, who can slide back and forth between left guard and center if need be, were always expected to make the starting rotation, but one scenario saw Johnson moving to tackle and Pouncey moving to guard to make room for redshirt freshman Sam Robey at center.
"Having the ability to move Carl Johnson gives you flexibility," Meyer said.
For now, Patchan has done enough to win over the coaches by proving he could add the weight needed to start at the college level.
Bulking up was no easy task, as Patchan is known for being a picky eater who is unwilling to scarf down less-than-nutritious food.
"He eats healthy. When I say healthy healthy, I mean Neanderthal healthy," Johnson said.
Meyer is expected to name the starting lineup for Sept. 5 against Charleston Southern after the Gators' practice on Wednesday.
Assuming the starters remain the same, Robey, junior Maurice Hurt and sophomore James Wilson are all expected to see playing time off the bench this season.
The potential for so many different looks has kept at least one defensive lineman off balance - UF junior defensive end Carlos Dunlap.
"Florida's offensive line is as good as any," Dunlap said. "Seeing how they change up the positions so much, that messes up the defense. You're so used to seeing somebody at guard, when he gets at tackle, he plays different so you have to adjust your game."
