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Head coach Jon Sumrall, quarterback Aaron Philo, and linebacker Myles Graham spoke with the media this morning ahead of Florida’s first SEC matchup this weekend.
JON SUMRALL
INJURY REPORT
Eric Singleton Jr. and Emmanuel Oyebadejo were out of their boots today, according to Sumrall. “Both were out of practice today. Both were very, very, very limited today in practice but were there,” Sumrall said. He added that they are both questionable and have a shot to play this week. Tight end Evan Chieca will make his Florida debut against Auburn this weekend. “Chieca will be back this week. He practiced today. He’s full go,” Sumrall said.
FAMILY TIES TO AUBURN
Sumrall was asked about his family connections to Auburn. His wife, Ginny Sumrall, graduated from Auburn. He was asked if he has any extended family members rooting against him this week. “If I do, they’re not family to me… Yeah there are ties, but Florida pays my mortgage. So, any family that is pulling against us, they ain’t my family,” Sumrall said.
THOUGHTS ON BYRUM BROWN
This is not the first time Sumrall has faced Byrum Brown. He played against South Florida during his time as the head coach of Tulane, winning decisively 45-10, with Brown exiting with an injury in the second half. “I think he’s more polished as a quarterback. I think he sees the field a little bit better and cleaner; that comes with the experience… I think he’s a good player,” Sumrall said. He added that Florida’s loss to South Florida last season has nothing to do with this game and they don’t see it as a revenge game.
ENERGY GOING INTO SEC PLAY
Sumrall, Aaron Philo and Myles Graham spoke on the energy in the building. “It’s exciting. I mean SEC play, they count different… it’s a tremendous challenge, tremendous opportunity to go on the road,” Sumrall said. Graham also gave his two cents. “It’s different. It’s definitely a different level of intensity because at Florida, these are the games you came here to play,” Graham said. Philo called Auburn one of the best environments in the SEC. Safe to say the team is amped for this challenge.
AARON PHILO
Philo spoke on the mentality playing on the road in the SEC. “We expect a great challenge. Obviously one of the best environments in the SEC. Night game, on the road. Definitely something we’re gonna have to prepare for,” Philo said. He pointed out that he still has things he needs to improve on. “Second half definitely was not up to our standard. We came out super sloppy. Definitely wasn’t good enough, and that’s not gonna cut it,” Philo said. He added that Auburn has a great group on defense but he trusts his defense. “I’ve got a lot of trust in those guys that they are going to do their jobs,” Philo said.
MYLES GRAHAM
Graham was asked about the sort of unease from Sumrall going into the game this weekend. “We need to have a big week of preparation… we need to be very intentional with every single thing we do,” Graham said. He added that as a leader it’s his job to get the guys up and “flip the switch” going into this weekend. Graham experienced the upset loss against South Florida last season and was asked how that prepares him for this matchup. “We’re not worried about that game. That game doesn’t matter to this game now, but it definitely gives us the experience. We know what to expect more,” Graham said. He was asked about the mindset going into a hostile road environment. “It’s thousands and thousands of people that want to see you fail. It’s nothing like just having that bond with your brothers and going in there and just doing your thing. There’s nothing like it,” Graham said.
The Florida Gators (2-0) take on the Auburn Tigers (2-0) this Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium at 7 p.m.
Video courtesy GatorVision on YouTube
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