Training camp is in the books and Billy Napier has named his starters for the first week of the 2023 college football season. While a few Gators remain banged up, Florida’s Week 1 depth chart looks mostly as expected with a few notable exceptions.
It’s not surprising to see Graham Mertz listed as the starter, but Florida is sticking with Jack Miller III and Max Brown behind him; although Miller is listed as questionable with an upper-body injury. There had been some speculation that Micah Leon could move up the depth chart. While that’s still possible, Napier isn’t making the call just yet.
At receiver, Ricky Pearsall and Caleb Douglas were two expected starters, but Kahleil Jackson getting the third nod might have caught some fans off guard. Marcus Burke, Ja’Quavion Fraziars and a trio of freshmen should all compete for reps this season, but Jackson is the third starter right now.
The starting offensive line will consist of Austin Barber, Richie Leonard IV, Kingsley Eguakun, Micah Mazzccua and Damieon George Jr., as expected. Eguakun is listed as questionable, though, so backup Jake Slaughter could get the start if he’s not healthy.
The final surprise on offense is freshman Tony Livingston getting the start at Florida’s second tight end spot behind Dante Zanders. Livingston greyshirted a year ago and has impressed through camp.
On defense, Florida is only missing defensive lineman Chris McClellan. The starting line will consist of Tyreak Sapp, Cam Jackson, Caleb Banks, while Princely Umanmielen will start at JACK.
The linebackers are in a trickier situation, though. Scooby Williams, Teradja Mitchell and Derek Wingo are all potential starters. In fact, Florida as opted to list all three with an “OR” next to their names, so this position battle is still up for grabs.
At the other linebacker spot, Shemar James is the lone starter listed with Mannie Nunnery as his backup.
At cornerback, Jason Marshall Jr. is the clear No. 1, but there’s still an ongoing battle between Jalen Kimber and Devin Moore for the second starting spot.
Jaydon Hill and Jadarrius Perkins will share the STAR position to start the season, and Miguel Mitchell and Jordan Castell are the starting safeties.
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Check out our position previews:
- Quarterbacks
- Running backs
- Wide receivers
- Tight ends
- Offensive Tackles
- Offensive Guards/Centers
- Defensive Tackles
- EDGE/JACK
- Inside Linebackers
- Cornerbacks
- Safeties/STAR
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