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Here are five Florida Gators who are in the spotlight, and on the spot, to perform this week against No. 6 Ole Miss.
Tramell Jones Jr.
It’s hard to really know what Saturday is going to look like for Tramell Jones Jr. To say that DJ Lagway has struggled so far this year would be an understatement. The sophomore has now thrown more interceptions than touchdowns through nine games and was benched for the first time last week. I would assume that both guys have been taking snaps with the first team all week in practice. I’m also guessing that this week, Interim coach Billy Gonzales will have a much shorter leash and won’t let Lagway put the whole team in a hole.
Vernell Brown III
Brown has been somewhat of a freshman sensation for Florida. Even with missing the game against Georgia, he leads the team in receptions and total receiving yards. In his return last week, he only had one catch for 22 yards. With the recent losses of Dallas Wilson and Eugene “Tre” Wilson, Brown is the undeniable number one option for the Gators. The Ole Miss offense is fast-paced and electric; they have scored at least 24 points in every game this season. If Florida is going to compete in this game, Brown will need to have a big day.
Aaron Chiles
Coming off a Kentucky game where he had his first TFL of the season, linebacker Aaron Chiles has been a constant in this Florida defense. The Gators have struggled this year at stopping running backs at the line. Especially last week, it felt like every run play the back was able to get to the second level. Coming up against one of the best running backs in the country, Kewan Lacy, Chiles will be a part of the linebacker group in charge of stopping him.
Bryce Thornton
The thing about this Ole Miss offense is that it can hit you from any angle. Trinidad Chambliss has completed a pass of over 40 yards in seven of his eight starts so far this season. That’s where Bryce Thornton comes in. Over his last three games, Thornton has two pass breakups as well as an interception. Not to mention, he has been one of the better man defenders for Florida this year. Chambliss is good for three to four deep shots a game minimum; the Gators just need to make sure they can handle the long ball.
Caden Jones
DJ Lagway has been sacked 14 times so far through nine games. Now, some of those are on Lagway trying to do too much, but the majority come from the offensive line collapsing. Both Tramell Jones Jr. and Lagway lacked time in the pocket last week against a Kentucky team that has struggled in the trenches this season. If Florida wants any chance against the Rebels on Saturday, whoever plays quarterback will need some time to throw the ball. Ole Miss has gotten 21 sacks this season, so Jones and the entire offensive line will need to bring their A-game.
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