Gators' offensive line getting close to the right number
If you ask any offensive line coach how many players they’d like to have available for a game, they’d probably say “more”. The ideal number you’d like to have is 10, eight is more realistic and the Florida Gators are getting closer to that number now.
“I think we’ve got probably eight players that deserve to play if we had a game today,” Billy Napier said on Monday. “Who’s the ninth player, who’s the 10th player?”
This week will go a long way towards finding those additional players. Right now the Gators have a set starting group. There are five players who have separated themselves on the offensive line and a few players who are close to that group.
The SEC schedule isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re going to have injuries; it’s just part of the game. With eight dependable offensive linemen, you have a backup tackle, a backup guard and then another swing player. Would you like 10? Absolutely. But you need at least eight to feel comfortable.
What does the Gators’ offensive line look like?
The Gators’ starting offensive line is pretty set in stone. (Below, left to right)
| Left Tackle | Left Guard | Center | Right Guard | Right Tackle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Gouraige | Ethan White | Kingsley Eguakun | O’Cyrus Torrence | Michael Tarquin |
After that, there are a few players Gators Online has been able to identify that would get Florida to eight. Jordan Herman (tackle), Austin Barber (tackle), and Josh Braun (guard) are all dependable backups. Florida also likes Jake Slaughter at center and he would be a player that could step in for Kingsley Eguakun in a pinch.
“We’re looking for the next, who’s 9, who’s 10, who’s going to get reps in a game week, who’s not, who are our rotational players,” Napier said. “This week, in particular here, practice 10 to 15 is going to be very competitive on our football team. I think when we evaluate our team right now, we moved out of the hotel yesterday.
“Can we maintain that discipline now that we’re in our normal living circumstances? Can we be on time? Can we go to bed at night? Can we make our way through the day efficiently in terms of transitioning back and forth from where we live? Can we manage the distractions as the students come back into town? One of our things is can we get the facility and the organization and the players in-season ready.”
This week will be critical for offensive coordinator Rob Sale, offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton and the Florida Gators as they look to solidify one of the most important units on the football team.
