re: Game 1 (Saturday Sept 3, 2022) VS Utah Preview & Discussion Thread

Florida's Week 1 depth chart: Notes and observations
GRAHAM HALL 9 minutes ago

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Florida released its first official depth chart Wednesday of the Billy Napier era, and there’s much to gather upon first glance, from the pecking order to updated weights for several players. Swamp247 has compiled a list of notes and observations from the depth chart release of what stands out from UF’s first depth chart under Napier.

– Florida’s running back room is considered to be a by-committee approach, with four capable runners, but one player was left off the list Wednesday. Lorenzo Lingard, the elder statesmen in the room, wasn’t listed on the depth chart. Nay'Quan Wright was listed as starter, with the second-string rusher listed as either sophomore Montrell Johnson or freshman Trevor Etienne. It’s uncertain as to why Lingard wasn’t listed, but his absence indicates he won’t be much of a factor against the Utes.

– Desmond Watson, listed as the back-up behind Jalen Leeat nose tackle, appeared during the 14-minute observation window to have added weight to his frame, and Wednesday’s depth chart release confirmed that was the case. Watson, who was previously listed at 415 pounds on Florida’s official roster, is listed at 439 pounds after fall camp.

– Much has been made of Florida’s rotation at wideout, and what is presumably the slot position had a noticeable designation Wednesday with Ricky Pearsall and Trent Whittemore listed as the starting wide receiver at the position.

– Anthony Richardson’s status as starting quarterback was all but guaranteed, but who backs him up at signal-caller was an unknown coming into the week with reserve Jack Miller III currently out after surgery for a thumb avulsion fracture. On Wednesday’s depth chart, the back-up QB was listed as either Jalen Kitna or walk-on Kyle Engel. The former dealt with an injury throughout fall camp but worked his way back and now should be the primary option if an emergency were to arise at quarterback.

– Billy Napier indicated the Gators might split the kicking duties, and the depth chart confirmed the notion. Adam Mihalek and Trey Smack have an “or” listed between the two, which means both players should get a chance against Utah.

– There were some answers as to the starters at returner on special teams. Ja'Markis Weston is the starter at kick returner, with Etienne listed second. Nay’Quan Wright and Xzavier Henderson round out the rotation. On punt return, Henderson will start deep to receiver, with either Marshall or Etienne serving as second-string punt returner.

– Napier called Shemar James an “exceptional player” during fall camp, and the depth chart reflected his ascension in the room. The freshman James is listed as the second-string weakside linebacker behind fifth-year linebacker Amari Burney.

–As expected, Jalen Lee will start at nose tackle ahead of Watson. Jaelin Humphries checks in at third in the order, with Jamari Lyons the fourth man in the group.

– James isn’t the only freshman likely to get playing time in his first season in Gainesville. Kamari Wilson, who signed with UF out of IMG Academy, is listed as Rashad Torrence’s backup at safety.

– Florida’s starting cornerback duo is Avery Helm and Jason Marshall Jr.. Behind Marshall is freshman corner Devin Moore, while Georgia transfer Jalen Kimber is the back-up to Helm.

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This is basically the same team that went 6-7 last albeit with a horrible qb and a D.G.A.F coach that is gone now.

Can AR stay healthy long enough to make a difference we all hope so.

If the O-line has improved as much as it has been talked about then I can tell you Napier will line up and test Utah's Defense Early. If we are running it down there throat then Utah is in for a long evening.

This game will be won in the trenches if the Oline can push around Utah's Defense and Florida's Defense can get pressure on Rising and he is running around All night then Florida can win this game.
If Florida can win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball then Florida should win this game.

Gotta run the ball and limit 3rd downs. Heard on a podcast the other day that Utah is 23-0 in the last 8 seasons when they convert 50% or more of their 3rd downs. And they are 0-8 going back to 2017 when giving up 200 or more yards on the ground. Digging deeper, in their wins they usually give up about 2.7 yards per carry the past 5 years, and in their losses, about 4.63, so a huge discrepancy for this team in their wins and losses.

So as you track from home, you want to hope UF is hovering around 4.6 yards per carry during the game, gets close to 200 yards rushing, and limits Utah on 3rd down.

Can they do that? IDK. Tackling that big RB of theirs looks tough and that QB is a very poised versatile guy. I think Florida is going to have to outscore them.

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We will need AR to make a few good runs early. This will give the RBs more room on the QB read plays.

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Also if the Ute D gets scared of AR running, it might open up some receivers down field.

Wish I was going to be there. Make sure Utah can't hear anything.

Yea, there are detours all over the place and my tailgating spot is (temporarily) gone

I have a good feeling we will protect our home field. Napier is a good coach and I think Richardson will show up.

The mighty Utes...you mean the team that lost last year to BYU? Or lost San Deigo St ? and lost to Oregon State? Oh, that team!!!! Stop being scared.

I have a good feeling here..

Team looks COACHED