[Mark Wheeler]

Check back for updates from Thursday’s spring practice.

We’ll be able to see about 15 minutes of practice and then the post-practice media opportunity.

[Cam Parker]

Some observations:

These players were all in black jerseys but participated in drills:
S Kamari Wilson
RB Cameron Carroll
LB Scooby Williams
CB Devin Moore

Did not see the OL or TE as they were inside

Looking at the groupings of the defense, it seems like Kamari Wilson and Miguel Mitchell are prepping to be the starters with Jordan Castell and Bryce Thorton behind them.

I did not see Aaron Gates out there (has been a non-participant).

Jalen Kimber and Jason Marshall were paired up at corner when the DBs/LBs were working together.

At linebacker, it seems like Shemar James and Teradja Mitchell are prepping as the starters. Scooby Williams was back to working with the ILB and was paired up with Jaden Robinson. Deuce Spurlock was out there but wasn’t participating in drills.

[Cam Parker]

Got to watch the DL briefly, Des Watson is still gigantic. Roster has him listed at 449, but he had reportedly lost weight.

I don’t know, but he’s still pretty big.

[Mark Wheeler]

#Gators DL Desmond Watson hitting the sled @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/rCBw6kVOrI

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) March 9, 2023

[Mark Wheeler]

#Gators freshman edge-rusher #11 Kelby Collins (6’4”, 277) vs. OL #73 Mark Pitts (6’6”, 314)@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/dgHV6Ihk0F

— Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) March 9, 2023

[Mark Wheeler]

#Gators RBs Trevor Etienne (7) and Montrell Johnson (2) getting in drill-work.@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/CBsRdwlWQH

— Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) March 9, 2023

[Mark Wheeler]

#Gators QB Graham Mertz to WR Marcus Burke @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/4eIdA13Ich

— Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) March 9, 2023

[Mark Wheeler]

#Gators QB Jack Miller to WR Ricky Pearsall@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/S0EgadCgd6

— Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) March 9, 2023

[Mark Wheeler]

📸 #Gators RBs Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne. These guys both look bigger and faster than we last saw them.@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/uluV0Qb2jI

— Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) March 9, 2023

[Mark Wheeler]

#Gators QB Jack Miller to RB Trevor Etienne @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/LQnp4zxbd0

— Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) March 9, 2023

[Mark Wheeler]

#Gators QB Graham Mertz hits RB Montrell Johnson deep.@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/hS1VDhG0Ab

— Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) March 9, 2023

[Mark Wheeler]

#Gators QB Graham Mertz to RB Montrell Johnson @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/IyhoJW38Jf

— Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) March 9, 2023

[Mark Wheeler]

#Gators wide receivers getting in short-route work.@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/uQkaaQ1vvt

— Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) March 9, 2023

[Mark Wheeler]

@officiallscoob was back working with the ILB today. Had moved back to OLB, according to UF’s roster. Paired up with @Jaden__Robinson on drills@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/MOisrpna2W

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) March 9, 2023

[Cam Parker]

Something to note also:

When the LBs and DBs work together, they split into two groups: one led by Austin Armstrong with Corey Raymond.

It seems like the “starting” safeties paired with the “backup” linebackers and vice versa.

It does look like Jaydon Hill has moved to STAR after being a boundary corner.

There are also formations where one of the safeties will move up to a LB/CB spot. Miguel Mitchell has been the one to do that.

[Zackary Weiss]

My observations from practice:

First thing I noticed on the offensive side of the field was that Montrell Johnson was participating and was getting first-team reps with Mertz throwing him the ball.

Subsequently, Etienne was getting reps with Jack Miller throwing him the ball.

Both MJ & ETN looked bigger and faster than we last saw them. Johnson looks like a tank out there compared to the other RBs.

[Zackary Weiss]

I also noticed that Napier had the RBs running some deep wheel routes for about 20-yard completions.

Both Mertz and Miller were hitting them in stride well, but Mertz just has such a soft touch to his throwing motion — it’s really a lot better than people may think. He put it right in their bread baskets every single time.

[Zackary Weiss]

Of course, Napier also had them working on their usual screen passes in addition to the deep wheels.

[Cam Parker]

Wingo was not at practice today

[Cam Parker]

Which explains Scooby Williams moving back to ILB

[Zackary Weiss]

As far as WRs are concerned, I have a few notes.

Firstly, Pearsall is so damn smooth. His footwork and timing is unmatched by anyone else in the pass-catching unit.

[Zackary Weiss]

Also, Andy Jean is coming.

Napier and the entire coaching staff love him. They’re coaching him to death during drills, which tells you all you need to know — they see his potential. And, frankly, in the limited time us media get out there… so do I. This kid is quick and has great hands.

[Zackary Weiss]

Finally, I went to watch a bit of the offensive line and pass-rushers go at.

And what I saw was freshman edge Kelby Collins destroying lineman who were much bigger than him. Watch out for this guy.

[Zackary Weiss]

What I will say is that our offensive line unit is absolutely massive. I mean in-person and up-close it’s just wild the size of them. Now, will that translate to the field? Is their technique and footwork and speed ready to protect Mertz (or Miller…?) from guys coming at them? Not sure. Time will tell. But as far as what you can’t teach — size and strength — they’ve got the necessary tools and then some.

[Author]

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