September Superlatives

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Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators

• O&B Board: Aberdeen granted temporary injunction
• Getting to Know: Davin Davidson
• Florida Football Preseason Superlatives

OCTOBER SUPERLATIVES

What player has been the biggest surprise?

Colding: The player who has been the biggest surprise is senior wide receiver Bailey Stockton. With senior wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. getting hurt against Florida Atlantic, Stockton has surprised me with his ability to prevent a drop-off when Florida had to use its depth at wide receiver. Stockton has 13 catches for 106 yards and a touchdown through four games, and he has been a part of an explosive Florida offense. Being a versatile player on special teams is also something that has made him so valuable to this team, and the crucial role he has played on this team has surprised me.

Alvis: I got to give it to Duke Clark. Going into the season, I had him more as RB3 and Evan Pryor at RB2. He has shocked me to my core with his production so far this season. His juke and touchdown against Ole Miss was incredible and not something I saw coming. The running back room will be in good hands when Jadan Baugh goes pro.

Wheeler: I should have known better than to doubt Phil Trautwein – his on-field results over multiple seasons are a testament to where he stands among offensive line coaches. Having said that, the thought of Bryce Lovett as the starting left tackle had me baffled. I mean, this seemed like a form of self-sabotage considering he is a player who had not only performed better inside, but had failed spectacularly at right tackle. Remember, he was benched after starting the first two games of the 2025 season. The trio of Lovett, Trautwein, and Rusty Whitt transformed him as a player over the offseason, and in turn, Lovett has been a plus starter on the left side.

What player has been the biggest disappointment?

Colding: The player who has been the biggest disappointment is junior defensive lineman LJ McCray. McCray has five tackles and a sack this season, and he hasn’t performed up to the five-star ranking he possessed coming out of high school. Against Ole Miss, he played 20 snaps but didn’t record a tackle. He hasn’t made the leap in his game that would show that he’s heading to five-star production, and it may not happen this season. Being a year behind in his development was something I said in the preseason would hurt him, and it seems to have so far this season.

Alvis: Defensive end LJ McCray. Coaches and players could not stop talking about him during fall camp. He had big expectations going into this season. He has just one sack through four games. He has had some good moments, but overall, not up to his expectations. Still a lot of season left, but my biggest disappointment so far.

Wheeler: I had no expectation that Evan Pryor was going to lead Florida in rushing yardage. A blind man could see that wasn’t on the table as long as Jadan Baugh was healthy. However, I did expect him to be the lightning to Baugh’s thunder. Instead, through four games, he sits fifth on the team in rushing yardage, is averaging just 3.0 yards per carry, with his longest run being but 11 yards. It is all but a given that if Baugh and Duke Clark remain healthy, he isn’t one of the top two options. Will Byron Louis overtake him as the third back is what is in question now.

Who has been the best (or most surprising) offseason addition?

Colding: The best offseason addition has been senior tight end Lacota Dippre. While he hasn’t recorded a catch this season, he has been very impactful in the blocking department. Florida’s success running the ball hasn’t just been because of the running backs, as the blockers also get some of the credit. An example of Dippre’s blocking was on display on junior running back Jadan Baugh’s 53-yard touchdown run, as the play was designed for Baugh to follow him. While blocking isn’t a flashy statistic or an electric play, it is an underrated aspect that helps teams win games.

Alvis: I think I’m going to give the nod to the Baylor transfer DJ Coleman. He had two interceptions all last season and already has two through four games along with three pass breakups. I definitely did not expect this level of production when he announced he was coming to Florida.

Wheeler: I’m going to venture off the beaten path here, and instead of going with a player, I’m going to go with Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Rusty Whitt. At no point from the time he was hired right up until I started writing this have I thought I knew more about S&C than Whitt, but I questioned having the offensive line lose so much weight. How would they hold up in the trenches when they were facing guys 25-40 pounds heavier? When you see how much lighter Bryce Lovett looks on his feet or see Knijeah Harris 30 yards down the field making a block, you have your answer. Then add in what the weekly Availability Report looks like compared to the past, and Whitt is right up there with Buster Faulkner, Jonathan Galante (and it goes without saying: Jon Sumrall) as the biggest offseason additions

Who has been the worst (or most disappointing) offseason addition?

Colding: The most disappointing offseason addition has been senior wide receiver Micah Mays Jr. The Wake Forest transfer hasn’t been able to find his footing in Florida’s offense, as he only has three catches for 16 yards so far this season. His drop against Florida Atlantic led to one of Philo’s interceptions, and he was supposed to be more of a focal point in the offense coming out of training camp. This could change as the season goes on, but so far, he has been the biggest disappointment of the offseason additions.

Alvis: I will have to give it to Micah Mays Jr. After a massive spring game, I really expected him to be an impact player in the receiver room. He has just three catches for 16 yards this season. I honestly expected him to be in the role that Bailey Stockton is, but I was clearly wrong. He could pick up, but I really don’t see him doing much this season.

Wheeler: Based on expectations entering the season, it’s a two-man race between Micah Mays Jr. and Eric Singleton Jr. Singleton Jr. receives a bit of a pass because he was injured while helping VB3 make a play. When it comes to Mays Jr., we are seeing why he was Wake Forest’s fifth option last season. I know better, but still, I committed a cardinal sin here: Never overrate a receiver based on spring ball (see Ian Skinner/Andy Jean).

Other than Jadan Baugh (that would be too easy), who has been the Offensive MVP to Date?

Colding: Outside of junior running back Jadan Baugh, the offensive MVP has been sophomore wide receiver Vernell Brown III. He leads the team in receiving yards with 271, and he has made an impact on the scoreboard as well. He recorded his first career 100-yard game in week one with 117, and he also scored his first touchdown on a 49-yard reception. While his two punt return touchdowns against Campbell weren’t points scored by the offense, he is still showing how much of an electric playmaker he is when he has the ball. Outside of Baugh, Florida wants the ball in Brown III’s hands as much as possible.

Alvis: Sophomore receiver Vernell Brown III. His mere presence on the field just makes the offense better. His two-punt return touchdown game put the entire country on notice. While he only has two receiving touchdowns this season, I think he has still made a big impact.

Wheeler: With Jadan Baugh off the board, through the first 3 ½ games of the season, receiver Vernell Brown III was the most obvious choice. However, with him looking on from the sidelines on Saturday, Florida put up 35 second-half points on Ole Miss. Who was on the field, though, was Aaron Philo. He doesn’t have a great arm; most of his passing yardage to this point has come via YAC, but that doesn’t negate his calm demeanor, willingness to take a hit, knowledge of the offense, putting the ball where it needs to be, lack of interceptions, etc… Let me put it this way: if Baugh went down, I would still feel good about the running back room taking up the slack. I don’t have that kind of faith in the quarterback room.

Who has been the Defensive MVP to Date?

Colding: Sophomore JACK Jayden Woods has been the defensive MVP through the first four games. After just half a sack in his first two games, he has recorded three and a half sacks since conference play started. He recorded two and a half sacks against Auburn in his breakout performance, and his sack against Ole Miss was an important moment in the game. He caused Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss to fumble the ball, and this turnover helped give Florida the chance to create much-needed separation. These past two games alone have made Woods the MVP of this side of the ball.

Alvis: Jayden Woods. The true sophomore has had an outstanding start to the season with four sacks in four games. He had 2.5 sacks against Auburn and a crucial strip sack against Ole Miss. He was my defensive MVP pick before the season started. I’m feeling pretty good.

Wheeler: For as bad as the defense has been, I could make a case for leaving this category blank. However, the best of what has been a bad bunch to date are Jack Jayden Woods, linebackers Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles Jr., and safeties DJ Coleman and Lagonza Hayward. Woods has made the most impact plays of the five.

The Best Position to Date?

Colding: The best position through the first four games has been the running backs. The room has been headlined by Jadan Baugh, who has 600 yards and 11 touchdowns in the first four games of the season. He has averaged seven yards per carry, and he has started a Heisman Trophy campaign. Behind him, sophomore Duke Clark has established himself as Baugh’s backup. He has 32 carries for 259 yards and three touchdowns, and the Ole Miss game was his coming-out party. He had 12 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown. While Baugh alone could make this the best position on the team, they have a backup who has emerged and can take some of the load off Baugh.

Alvis: Without a doubt the running back room. Jadan Baugh has firmly placed himself in the Heisman conversation, and Duke Clark is looking like the best RB2 in the country. Even London Montgomery has been making an impact in the return game. Just incredible stuff from the running backs so far.

Wheeler: Florida has been able to run wild on opponents this year, with both Jadan Baugh and Duke Clark being equally as successful given their carries. That would lead you to give the running back room the most credit. Also, Florida’s quarterbacks have only been sacked twice this season. That is in part due to UF’s scheme calling for screens and quick passes. However, the common denominator is the offensive line. Being honest, I said after spring I thought the line would be better just because there wouldn’t be as much moving the players around, and they would gain familiarity and cohesion, but I didn’t expect them to be this good, though.

The Worst Position to Date?

Colding: The worst position so far has been the cornerbacks. While both lines of scrimmage have shown improvement each week to start the season, the cornerbacks haven’t replicated that improvement. Defensive coordinator Brad White said he wants to see more consistency each play from senior cornerback Cormani McClain, since his ceiling is high. Nobody else from the room has stood out or shown drastic improvement in a positive way, and they will need to show improvement throughout the season if Florida has aspirations to make the College Football Playoff.

Alvis: It’s tough to label the worst position to date because the team has been exponentially better than we thought. That being said, I would have to give it to the cornerbacks. They had an ugly outing against Auburn, giving up that touchdown on 4th and 13. I feel like Ben Hanks III and Cormani McClain have underperformed a bit. Not necessarily a bad season, but the worst position group so far in my opinion.

Wheeler: Normally, I’m not a box score watcher when it comes to forming an opinion. However, when it comes to Florida’s defense, the stats back up what we see on the field on Saturday. The secondary has been atrocious. Just watching the box score, some of the Gators’ No. 113 ranking (out of 138 DI programs) can be explained away because opponents are playing catch-up with UF being out in front most of the game. Some of it, but not enough of it to excuse the players/coaches. The only two players back there who get somewhat of a pass are DJ Coleman and Logonza Hayward.

What do you feel best about?

Colding: I feel best about Florida’s ability to score points regardless of the competition or where the game is being played. Florida has been able to score more than 40 points in every game they have played, and this has largely resulted from the ability to have a dominant rushing attack. Florida proved they can score in any environment, as they scored 44 points despite taking 16 penalties for 138 yards against Auburn. If Florida is able to take that many penalties on the road and still score 44 points, I am confident they will be able to continue to score at a similar rate when playing clean football.

Alvis: I feel the best about the running backs and the punt/kickoff return game. Jadan Baugh and Duke Clark have been the best one-two punch in the country. London Montgomery and Vernell Brown III have been lights out in the return game. I expect all that to continue.

Wheeler: Jon Sumrall. Yes, Buster Faulkner and Jonathan Galante have their units humming along, but they didn’t just show up one day; Sumrall put them in place and then got out of the way. His one game at a time approach and his overall demeanor have helped to reset Florida football. Not only do you have to feel good about where UF currently stands, but where Sumrall has them headed.

What concerns you most?

Colding: Florida’s inconsistencies behind the front seven are what concerns me the most. Cormani McClain and sophomore cornerback Ben Hanks III haven’t played consistently enough to eliminate this concern. With how explosive Florida’s offense has been, they need to be more consistent in the secondary to allow the offense to get back on the field and score more points. If these inconsistencies continue, it could become a reason the team loses a couple of games.

Alvis: I would say I am concerned for if and when Jadan Baugh has a bad game. Aaron Philo has been able to rely on Baugh, but if a defense bottles him up, then the game will be in Philo’s hands. That definitely concerns me a bit.

Wheeler: Being realistic here, Aaron Philo is limited; he is more of a game manager than he is a difference maker. However, what he’s managed to this point is to lead Florida to a 4-0 record and the No. 2 offense in the nation. Having said that, at some point opposing defenses are going to sell out in order to stop Jadan Baugh and the screen game, and make Philo beat them down the field. He’s had a couple of nice-looking deep passes (to TJ Abrams and the called-back touchdown to Vernell Brown III), but most of his success beyond the line of scrimmage was basically schemed up by Buster Faulkner, where the completions were basically ‘on air.’ If a defense can keep UF’s running game in check, how does Philo respond?

What is the best bet for Florida to pull an upset in October (out of No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Georgia)?

Colding: The best bet for Florida to pull an upset in October is against No. 1 Texas. No. 2 Georgia still looks like the well-oiled machine they have been in the SEC for close to a decade. Both sides of the ball haven’t shown reason to be concerned about them, and this game will have more of the feeling of a road game than it normally does, since it’s in Atlanta. Even though Texas is a true road game, they have struggled offensively at times in their two games against ranked opponents. While they have won both games, they have shown the ability to go long periods of time without scoring offensively. With how explosive Florida’s offense has been, the matchup against Texas is shaping up to be more favorable.

Alvis: I originally had Georgia as the answer to this question, but they have looked dominant this season. Texas, on the other hand, nearly lost to Ohio State and Tennessee. They look very beatable despite their ranking. I think Florida has a good chance to go into Austin and pull off the upset.

Wheeler: While No. 2 Georgia has looked better than No. 1 Texas to this point, that trip to Austin is still a bit scarier in my opinion. Both UF and UGA have a bye week before their showdown in Atlanta, seemingly negating any advantage one might have over the other, except for the feeling I have that it will give Buster Faulkner more time to dial up something special for the Bulldogs.

Does Florida make it out of October as a legitimate CFB Playoff Contender?

Colding: Florida will make it out of October as a legitimate CFB Playoff Contender. With Florida’s ability to consistently run the ball and their ability to generate explosive plays, this will win them games. Florida will remain on this path by beating No. 25 Missouri, and if they can start 6-0, there will be growing confidence Florida can beat at least one of Texas or Georgia. Even if Florida loses both, but the games are competitive, then they will still be viewed as a playoff contender.

Alvis: I do think that Florida makes it out of October with a legit chance to make the CFP. I think they will win the next two games and be 6-0 going into Austin. Even if they lose to Texas and Georgia, a 6-2 Florida team is still firmly in the conversation in my opinion.

Wheeler: Judging by the way South Carolina has performed to date, at this point we can assume Florida should be a decided favorite to win that game. If that is the case, then whether or not UF ends the month as a legitimate playoff contender likely depends on what takes place in Columbia, Missouri later this week. If Florida beats the Tigers and Gamecocks to improve to 6-0 on the season, then the Gators can definitely withstand losses to either or both of the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the nation. If the Gators suffer a loss this weekend, a 5-3 record likely keeps UF’s name in the mix, but they would need a lot of things out of their control to go their way over the last month of the season.

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