In Jim McElwain’s first year, the Gators had so few offensive linemen that it made it difficult to practice in the spring and forced Florida to have a spring scrimmage instead of a traditional spring game.
That won’t be a problem in year two. Through recruiting, early enrollment and a transfer, the Gators’ numbers on the offensive line are back where they need to be. This spring, there will be 14 scholarship linemen on the roster. The number will rise to 16 in the fall with the addition of two more true freshmen — Brett Heggie and Jawaan Taylor. If everyone stays healthy, the Gators will have more than three full offensive lines to work with when preseason camp opens in August.
Overall, Florida’s scholarship numbers are solid at every position except linebacker, where the Gators will have only six scholarship players this spring — Jarrad Davis, Alex Anzalone, Daniel McMillian, Matt Rolin, Rayshad Jackson and early enrollee David Reese. The number will only grow by two in the fall with the addition of true freshmen Vosean Joseph and Jeremiah Moon. Defensive tackle also is a bit of a concern because the Gators did not sign any and have only seven on scholarship.
UPDATED: Heading into the spring, the Gators will have 70 scholarship players on the roster. That number will grow to 83 with the addition of 12 true freshmen and junior college transfer Joseph Putu this summer, leaving UF only two of the scholarship limit of 85.
Here’s a position-by-position look at the scholarship players heading into the spring:
Quarterback (four) — Kyle Trask and Feleipe Franks. Arriving this summer — no new additions. (Updated note: transfer Luke Del Rio and graduate transfer Austin Appleby are walk-ons).
Running back (five) — Jordan Cronkrite, Jordan Scarlett, Mark Thompson, Case Harrison and Mark Herndon. Arriving this summer — Lamical Perine.
Tight end (four) — DeAndre Goolsby, C’yontai Lewis, Moral Stephens and Camrin Knight. Arriving this summer — no new additions.
Wide receiver (12) — Treon Harris, Brandon Powell, Ahmad Fulwood, Dre Massey, Josh Hammond, C.J. Worton, Antonio Callaway, Freddie Swain, Chris Thompson, Kalif Jackson, Ryan Sousa and Alvin Bailey. Arriving this summer — Tyrie Cleveland and Rick Wells.
Offensive line (14) — Antonio Riles, Travaris Dorsey, Kavaris Harkless, Cameron Dillard, T.J. McCoy, Tyler Jordan, Nick Buchanan, Brandon Sandifer, Richerd Desir-Jones, Stone Forsythe, Martez Ivey, Fred Johnson, Andrew Mike and David Sharpe. Arriving this summer — Brett Heggie and Jawaan Taylor.
Defensive end (seven) — Jordan Sherit, Jordan Smith, Jabari Zuniga, Bryan Cox Jr., Keivonnis Davis, Cece Jefferson and Justus Reed. Arriving this summer — Antonneous Clayton and Jachai Polite.
Defensive tackle (seven) — Khairi Clark, Thomas Holley, Caleb Brantley, Andrew Ivie, Joey Ivie, Tavan Bryan and Luke Ancrum. Arriving this summer — no new additions.
Linebacker (six) — Jarrad Davis, Alex Anzalone, Daniel McMillian, Matt Rolin, David Reese and Rayshad Jackson. Arriving this summer — Vosean Joseph and Jeremiah Moon.
Defensive back (10) — Quincy Wilson, Jalen Tabor, Duke Dawson, Nick Washington, Marcus Maye, McArthur Bennett, Chauncey Gardner, Marcell Harris, Kylan Johnson and Chris Williamson. Arriving this summer — Quincy Lenton, C.J. McWilliams, Jeawon Taylor and Joseph Putu.
Kicker (two) — Austin Hardin and Eddy Pineiro. Arriving this summer — no new additions.
Punter (one) — Johnny Townsend. Arriving this summer — no new additions.
