Following Friday’s scrimmage, which was coined by coach Will Muschamp as “D-Day,” the Gators participated in their second open practice of the preseason in muggy weather Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium from 9-11 a.m.
With only two weeks until the first game of the season against Toledo on Aug. 31, Muschamp has begun to limit reps as he wants his starters to maximize their time on the field.
Here are 10 observations from Saturday’s practice at The Swamp:
- Starting right guard Jon Halapio (partially torn pectoral muscle) participated in contact drills with the offensive line on Saturday. Halapio’s presence at practice is a good sign for his status against Toledo.
- Running back Matt Jones (viral infection) joined the team on the sidelines briefly to watch some 11-on-11 drills, wearing a T-shirt and shorts. Jones’ timetable to return is still unknown, but the sophomore looked like he was still in pretty good physical condition.
- Sophomore defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr. followed up his dominant Thursday practice with another explosive performance. During linemen drills, Fowler bullied offensive tackles Chaz Green and D.J. Humphries. On one play, Fowler beat Humphries on the edge, throwing him to the ground.
- After a sharp practice on Thursday, Jeff Driskel had an up-and-down Saturday. During one drill, Driskel badly overthrew Solomon Patton on a deep route, but Florida’s starting quarterback connected twice with Quinton Dunbar with two accurate passes – the first down the middle in the end zone for 20 yards while facing a blitz.
- Placekicker Austin Hardin and tight end Clay Burton seem to be the coaching staff’s favorites for starting roles. Hardin made a 42-yard field goal to cap off the team’s practice-closing two-minute drill, while Burton mostly competed with the first-team offense during 11-on-11 action.
- Freshman wide receiver Demarcus Robinson could be an option to return kicks. Robinson took part in punt returning drills with Marcus Roberson, Loucheiz Purifoy and Chris Thompson.
- Aside from Max Staver showcasing his strong arm, UF’s backup quarterback situation continued to look shaky Saturday. During 11-on-11s, Tyler Murphy underthrew a few of his receivers.
- Sophomore wide receiver Raphael Andrades had a strong practice, which was highlighted by two spectacular catches. Andrades made a diving catch against safety Cody Riggs on a slightly overthrown ball from Murphy during skeleton drills. On a well-thrown Staver pass, Andrades beat freshman safety Keanu Neal for another large gain.
- Sophomore linebacker Antonio Morrison participated in 11-on-11 drills with the first- and second-team defense. After practice, assistant strength coach Mark Campbell had Morrison, who is facing a two-game suspension after being arrested twice this summer, running wind sprints.
- While the Gators were practicing Saturday, the Associated Press released its preseason poll. Florida clocks in at No. 10, the same spot where it sits on the USA Today Coaches’ Poll. Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, Stanford and Georgia round out the AP poll's top five.
Contact Landon Watnick at lwatnick@alligator.org.
Dante Fowler Jr. (6) pursues Kentucky’s Morgan Newton (12) in UF’s 38-0 win on Sept. 22 in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Fowler followed up a strong Thursday practice with another impressive performance Saturday during UF's open practice at The Swamp.
