Already thin on the offensive line with just 13 scholarship players, Florida needs three guys whose careers have been marred by setbacks to step up this season.
Xavier Nixon had a mysterious illness during the offseason that caused him to lose about 55 pounds.
Matt Patchan, a redshirt junior, has seen action in just 15 games during his four-year career thanks to injuries to his wrist, knee and leg.
James Wilson came to Florida from Ponte Vedra Nease High as the No. 1 guard prospect in 2007, but missed the final 10 games of the 2010 season after injuring his left knee.
But Nixon is back to his playing weight of 290 pounds, and Patchan and Wilson are both finally healthy. According to coach Will Muschamp, the offensive line is starting to come together.
Nixon is in line to start at left tackle, while Patchan is running with the first team at right tackle and Wilson is competing to start at left guard.
Teammates are glad they’re back.
“He’s going to be the same player that I’ve seen since I’ve been here,” Nixon said of Patchan.
“He’s an explosive player off the ball, he’s real fiery. He’s feisty.”
The Gators are implementing a new pro-style offense under coordinator Charlie Weis, one that must be able to pound the ball in the run game and provide adequate pass protection for quarterback John Brantley.
Brantley said having a veteran presence on the offensive line has helped his confidence.
“They know their stuff, they know their offense,” Brantley said. “Now that they have the pads on, we’re cleaning everything up and everything’s looking good.”
Since the spring, Muschamp has harped on the importance of play in the trenches.
The communication between the group is imperative, as all five guys must be on the same page with the run and pass game. With injuries limiting snaps earlier in the year, fall practice has been a proving ground, sorting out the starters through open competition.
Ian Silberman, Kyle Koehne and Wilson are battling for the job at left guard. Jonotthan Harrison is the leader at center, but Sam Robey and Dan Wenger have also practiced with the first team. Jon Halapio is likely the right guard and Patchan is the front-runner at right tackle, with Chaz Green rotating.
Muschamp said said he’s pleased with the progress but said it’s too early to name a definitive starting lineup and depth is still a concern.
“We’ve got good players. It’s just you’d just like to have a deeper group,” he said. “Their movement, their toughness, what they bring to the table, we’re excited about that group. But you’d like to have 18 instead of 13.”
Nick Alajajian, Silberman and Wenger provide versatility, as they can play at any spot inside.
Freshmen Trip Thurman and Tommy Jordan have shown promise and Kyle Koehne adds depth at tackle behind Nixon.
Florida lost three big pieces from the line to the NFL Draft, including starters Marcus Gilbert and Mike Pouncey. But defensive tackle Jaye Howard said the offensive line would be tremendously improved this season, adding that he’s seen dramatic improvement in their technique.
“I can really tell a difference from last year,” Howard said.
“Last year they couldn’t even block me, but now they’re giving me a little run for my money.”
Contact Matt Watts at mwatts@alligator.org
