Carter's Corner: 5 Positions to Watch as Gators Open Camp - Florida Gators (2024)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Unless they tuned in to the Sun Belt Conference Championship Game the previous night, most Gators fans got their first glimpse of new head coach Billy Napier the same way linebacker Ventrell Miller did.

Miller saw photos and video on social media of Napier and his family arriving outside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Dec. 5 for his introductory press conference. Miller, a seasoned veteran entering his sixth season, took a mental note.

"He pulled up to 'The Swamp' in a minivan, so I was like, 'this is my type of guy.' Very family-oriented, player-oriented guy," Miller said. "Likes to build relationships. He's also big on discipline and accountability. Coach Napier has done a great job so far, and we're just following along with the plan he has put in place."

"The key to me for young people, is that they know that you really care for them and that you're working hard to help them improve." - @coach_bnapier pic.twitter.com/8aVd52q0VU

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— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) July 28, 2022

Napier's introductory press conference was nearly eight months ago, and 240 days later, the Gators officially report for the start of preseason camp on Tuesday morning. Napier has spent the bulk of his time at Florida building the foundation of an organization that Gators fans desperately want to see rejoin the nation's elite programs consistently.

The Gators had flashes of success under Will Muschamp, Jim McElwain and Dan Mullen over the last 11 seasons. Still, none could sustain the success achieved by Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer, the two most decorated coaches in school history.

As Napier and his beefed-up support staff turn their attention to the field, here is a glimpse at five positions to watch over the next month as the Gators prepare for the Sept. 3 season opener at home against reigning Pac-12 champion Utah.

QUARTERBACK

Florida's prospects at the game's most crucial position haven't been this promising since Tim Tebow wore No. 15. You don't have to be an NFL scout to appreciate third-year sophom*ore Anthony Richardson's physical gifts. He's big, fast and strong. He is athletic enough to run over or sprint around defenders. Simply put, Richardson has enormous potential. If he blossoms into a star in Napier's first season, the Gators could be one of the country's surprise teams. Now, time for the disclaimer: Richardson has one career start and a history of injuries. His first test is to prove he can stay healthy. If Richardson passes and shows the kind of improvement most expect, the Gators are in good hands at quarterback. Ohio State transfer Jack Miller, redshirt freshman Jalen Kitna and freshman Max Brown provide depth at a position that lost last year's starter Emory Jones (Arizona State) and redshirt freshman Carlos Del Rio-Wilson (Syracuse).

KICKER

While the Gators have had their troubles over the past decade, kickers Caleb Sturgis, Eddy Pineiro and Evan McPherson stand among the best in school history. However, the kicking game faltered in 2021 as Jace Christmann and Chris Howard managed to make only 10 of 15 field goals and could not connect from deep. Howard's missed extra-point against Alabama proved costly, and the Gators have rebooted at the position with walk-on Adam Mihalek and true freshman Trey Smack. One of the top prep kickers in the nation at Severna Park (Md.) High School, the door is open for Smack to win the job if his powerful right leg is accurate in camp.

RUNNING BACK

In his comprehensive annual preview magazine, Phil Steele ranks the Gators' running backs as the 49th-best group in the country. That is the lowest ranking nationally for any of the Gators' position groups. The group lost production and experience with the departures of Dameon Pierce and Malik Davis. Seldom-used Demarkcus Bowman (UCF) transferred after only one season in the program, leaving Nay'Quan Wright and Lorenzo Lingard as the most notable returners. Louisiana transfer Montrell Johnson Jr. figures prominently into the plans, and true freshman Trevor Etienne is an intriguing newcomer from Jennings, La. While Wright is coming off season-ending ankle surgery in the win over FSU, he is a talented runner and receiver when healthy. The 5-foot-11, 218-pound Johnson is familiar with Napier's system. He has produced at the collegiate level, and Lingard should get an opportunity to show what he can do after receiving limited reps the past two seasons following his transfer from Miami. Don't be surprised if this unit is better than expected running behind a veteran offensive line.

DEFENSIVE BACK

On the flip side, Steele ranks Florida's defensive backs 11th overall in the country, his highest ranking for a UF position group. Sophom*ore cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. was tossed into the fray last year and held his own, providing the unit with a young and intriguing talent. Fifth-year senior Trey Dean III returned for another season of eligibility and projects to start at strong safety. Sophom*ore cornerback Jaydon Hill, lost a year ago to a preseason knee injury, is back in the mix, along with nickel Tre'Vez Johnson and free safety Rashad Torrence II. The Gators added Georgia transfer cornerback Jalen Kimber and true freshman Kamari Wilson since last season, players who will be watched closely in camp to see what they can contribute.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. is primed for a breakout season, a development that would significantly enhance this group's play-making ability. The Gators used multiple spare parts a season ago on the D-line, adding transfers Antonio Valentino, Daquan Newkirk and Tyrone Truesdell to patch holes around senior Zachary Carter, who is now in the NFL. Sophom*ore Desmond Watson (6-5, 415) is a player who could make a huge difference (pun intended) if he shows consistent improvement and the ability to produce. This is a young group with some upside, and the final grade will be determined by how well players such as Watson, Chris McClellan, Justus Boone, Jaelin Humphries, Jalen Lee and Tyreak Sapp develop.