Florida football will begin spring practice on March 7 eager to begin the process of building for a more successful 2024 season.
Of the 19 incoming 2024 freshmen for the Florida Gators, 16 enrolled early, looking to jump start their college careers and contribute on the field this fall. By enrolling early, all 16 players will get reps in spring drills and may see the field for UF’s Orange and Blue Game, scheduled for April 13 at The Swamp.
Special number: Why Florida football WR Kahleil Jackson won’t give up the number 22
Pursuing pro dreams: Two Florida football players invited to NFL Combine. Here’s who will be in Indy
Enrolling early worked out last year for safety Jordan Castell, a 2023 early enrollee who started 11 of 12 games for UF last season as a true freshman. Castell led the Gators in tackles (60) with 3.5 tackles for loss, 3 pass breakups and an interception to earn freshman All-SEC honors.
Overall, Florida football coach head coach Billy Napier has shown a willingness to play true freshmen when they are ready, with both Castell and wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (61 catches for 538 yards and 6 TDs) starting as true freshmen last season.
Here are five early enrollees to watch for the Gators entering spring practice.
D.J. Lagway, QB
Lagway, the 2023 Gatorade National Player of the Year, threw for or 4,631 yards and 58 TDs while completing 72.1 percent of his passes in his senior season at Willis High in Willis, Texas. Graham Mertz returns as the incumbent starter for UF, but the 6-foot-3, 238-pound Lagway should still get plenty of reps throwing the ball to learn the offense.
L.J. McCray, DE
The No. 1 edge rush recruit in the Class of 2024, the 6-foot-6, 267-pound McCray will get a chance to put his talents on display in front of defensive coaches this spring. He will compete with rising sophomore T.J. Searcy for…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-football-continue-youth-movement-090151196.html
Author : The Gainesville Sun
Publish date : 2024-02-27 09:01:51
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
