Florida Football: Gators Unveil Depth Chart for Season Opener…
As the Florida Gators gear up for their highly anticipated season opener against the No. 19 Miami Hurricanes, head coach Billy Napier has unveiled the team’s first official depth chart, offering crucial insights into the squad’s composition and strategy for the upcoming game.
The depth chart, released just days before the sold-out crowd at The Swamp, reveals a mix of established starters and intriguing positional battles that could play a decisive role in the outcome of this in-state rivalry game. With ESPN Gamecast giving the Gators a 57.5% chance of victory, despite Miami being a 2.5 point favorite, the stage is set.
One of the most significant revelations from the depth chart is the return of senior running back Montrell Johnson Jr. Despite missing most of fall camp due to a minor knee procedure, Johnson is listed as the starter ahead of Treyaun Webb. Coach Napier expressed confidence in Johnson’s readiness, praising his experience, productivity, and leadership.
The quarterback position, as expected, sees redshirt senior Graham Mertz as the starter, with highly-touted freshman DJ Lagway serving as his primary backup. Napier’s glowing praise for Mertz, calling him “one of the best quarterbacks in the entire country,” indicates the team’s confidence in their signal-caller. The coach also hinted at the possibility of utilizing both quarterbacks, suggesting we might see some creative offensive packages involving the talented freshman Lagway.
One surprising change comes on the offensive line, where redshirt junior Kamryn Waites has been named the starter at right tackle, ahead of the expected starter Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson. Napier cited Waites’ health and availability as key factors in this decision, also noting his versatility to play both inside and outside positions.
