Florida defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin remembers how stout Tennessee’s offensive line was last year.
During the Gators’ 37-20 win against the Volunteers on Sept. 15, 2012, UT running back Raijon Neal rushed for 87 yards on 23 carries thanks largely to the offensive line’s success. The top-10 Florida defense managed to sack Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray only once.
The Volunteers return four of their five starters — center James Stone, right guard Zach Fulton and tackles Antonio Richardson and Ja’Wuan James — from last year’s unit.
The only starter removed from last season’s line is left guard Dallas Thomas, who the Miami Dolphins selected with the 77th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
“They’re big,” Durkin said. “They’re physical. They move well. They’re athletic. ... So, not only off tape do we feel that way, but after playing them we feel that way. And our guys know that and understand. It’s a big challenge for them, and I think they’re excited for it.”
Southeastern Conference coaches named Richardson to the preseason first team. Fulton and James earned All-SEC second-team offense honors, while Stone is on the third team.
“This will be the best offensive line we will face this year,” coach Will Muschamp said Monday.
In three games this season, the Volunteers offensive line has allowed only two sacks. The unit has excelled at run blocking; UT ranks fourth in the conference with 244.3 rushing yards per game.
Florida’s defense is up for the challenge Saturday against Tennessee’s physical front.
“It’ll be a good test,” linebacker Michael Taylor said. “It’s another SEC line. The SEC is supposed to have the best players in the country. It’s the same line that has been there for a while now. They’ve got camaraderie. They’ve been playing together since they first got there. So it will be a good test for us.”
Injury update: Muschamp reaffirmed Wednesday during the SEC’s weekly media teleconference that quarterback Jeff Driskel (sprained knee) and right guard Jon Halapio (partially torn pectoral muscle) will play Saturday against the Volunteers.
Cornerback Marcus Roberson (sprained knee) and right tackle Tyler Moore (sprained ankle) are probable.
Driskel, Roberson and Moore suffered their injuries against the Hurricanes.
“Right now, Marcus Roberson, I think still will be able to play this weekend,” Muschamp said.
“He was a little gimpy yesterday, but he should be OK, and Tyler Moore, the same.”
On UF’s most recent depth chart, D.J. Humphries, who suffered a sprained MCL against Toledo but played in the first half versus Miami, is listed as the starter at left tackle.
“I think the week off helped him,” Muschamp said Monday. “He had some soreness and some tightness in the knee, and it certainly is a long season.
“I felt like we wanted to pull him at the time. It is what it is. If that situation occurs, Max Garcia moves to left tackle and Ian (Silberman) goes to left guard and we move forward. We’re prepared for that to happen.
“But I don’t think that’s going to be an issue moving forward.”
Follow Landon Watnick on Twitter @LandonWatnick.
Former Florida defensive tackle Omar Hunter (99) splits a pair of offensive linemen during Florida's 38-20 win against Tennessee on Sept. 15, 2012, at Neyland Stadium. The Volunteers return four starters on the offensive line from 2012.
