Florida’s spring game will have a different look this year.
With only six scholarship offensive linemen currently healthy — including Quinteze Williams, who moved from defensive tackle — coach Will Muschamp said the Gators will participate in some situational work in addition to scrimmaging on April 6.
“What’s hard for the offensive line is just taking 60 straight snaps,” Muschamp said. “That’s kind of difficult for just five guys to take that. We’re incorporating within the scrimmage some 7-on-7 (and) some special teams periods, where we just concentrate and let those guys get a break.”
Sophomore tackle Trip Thurman became the latest member of the offensive line to get bitten by the injury bug. He suffered a shoulder injury and received an MRI on Tuesday night, with the results and a timetable for his return expected by Wednesday.
“Certainly disappointing,” Muschamp said. “Trip has had an outstanding spring. He’s made some progress.”
Thurman joins a cast of offensive linemen who are out due to injury.
Guard Jon Halapio (knee), tackle Chaz Green (ankle) and guard Ian Silberman (shoulder), will each miss spring practice entirely. Additionally, redshirt freshman Jessamen Dunker remains suspended after being charged with grand theft auto and driving with a suspended license on Jan. 17.
“Last spring, we’d go 120-130 snaps in a scrimmage,” Muschamp said. “You can’t do that with five offensive linemen. That won’t be good.”
UF projects to have 16 scholarship offensive linemen next season, including five signees who will join the team in the fall. Florida lost tackle Xavier Nixon and guard James Wilson from a unit that surrendered the most sacks in the Southeastern Conference last season.
Transfer Max Garcia, who currently owns the Gators’ starting left guard spot, expects to see time in a unit looking to give quarterback Jeff Driskel better protection next season.
“This spring is tough just with the numbers that we have,” Garcia said. “We’re the backbone of the team, so we’ve just got to keep pushing forward and just get the job done.”
Contact Phil Heilman at pheilman@alligator.org.
Redshirt senior guard Jon Halapio (left) blocks Vanderbilt defensive tackle Jared Morse (97) during the Gators’ 31-17 win against the Commodores on Oct. 13 in Nashville, Tenn. Halapio is listed as a starter on Florida's most recent depth chart.
