This past weekend was a chance for not only the general public to get a gander at the Gators’ preseason practice inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium but also an opportunity for recruits to see what the upcoming season has in store.
Among those getting a glimpse of the 2023 edition of Florida football was four-star legacy linebacker commit [autotag]Myles Graham[/autotag], who is the son of former standout running back Earnest Graham. The younger Gator came away rather impressed with what he saw on Saturday, offering up some positive takeaways from his experience.
“The guys are looking good,” Graham told Gators Online. “I’m impressed with the whole team. I’m proud of Coach (Billy) Napier and the staff. And I’m excited to see what they can do (this season).”
As for the player in whom he sees rising potential, he fingered a redshirt sophomore linebacker.
“Scooby (Williams),” James said. “Scooby played really well. He was everywhere. He could do it all — stop the run, play in coverage… Overall, (the linebackers) were doing good all around. They were flying around and making plays.”
Of course, the linebackers corps is currently down a man who it expects to be a vocal leader on and off the field this season.
“I think we need Shemar James,” he said. “Really, really need him back.”
Overall, Graham appears to be feeling bullish on the Orange and Blue. Most notably, he was impressed with the offense which has been surrounded by questions, exacerbated by Napier’s reluctance to name a starting quarterback.
“The defense is looking good,” he said. “And the offense is looking better than I thought. Some of the young wide receivers stood out.”
The Gators opened camp Sunday, July 30, and the team held its first practice of the 2023 season on Monday, July 31. Last Saturday’s event was the only practice open to the general public.
Florida opens its 2023 schedule on the road against the Utah Utes on Aug. 31, with a kickoff time of 8 p.m. EDT.
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