Redshirt Report: Checking on the Gators' freshmen class
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators have played four games in 2022. That gives us a good idea of which players will fill roles for the team this season. It also shows which players may be on track to redshirt this season.
The NCAA allows for a player to participate in four games while still maintaining redshirt eligibility. Billy Napier has not been shy to play freshmen. There are several freshmen that are, while not starting, making key contributions to the team on Saturday.
Through four games, Gators Online looks at which freshmen have played and which freshmen are likely going to earn a redshirt in 2022.
Have played in 4 games
There have been several freshmen that are already making an impact this season. The Gators have six freshmen that have participated in every game this season and certainly will not redshirt. They have key roles on the team and are pivotal to Florida’s success the rest of the way.
The freshman has played in all four games for the Gators and is sixth on the team with 17 tackles. James logged his first tackle for loss and sack against Tennessee last Saturday. James has played more since Ventrell Miller’s injury. The freshman from Mobile, Alabama is a promising young player who projects to be a full-time starter (he’s already started three games this year) either by the end of this season or as a sophomore.
The safety from IMG Academy notched his first tackle for loss against Tennessee. He logged 19 snaps against the Vols, the most he has played in a game this season. Wilson took over for Trey Dean, who was seemingly benched for a drive. Wilson graded out as UF’s ninth-best player against Tennessee.
The running back from Jennings, Louisiana has been a lightning rod for the Gators. Etienne is fourth on the team in carries (31) but second in yards (201). His 6.48 ypc average is 8th in the SEC and 2nd among freshmen in the league.
Moore has played more snaps (69) than any other freshman on the team. He has been good in coverage but has the best size in the defensive backs room at 6-foot-3. There’s a reason that the staff was high on Moore, and we’re seeing that early on in his career.
The Oklahoma native played his best football last Saturday against Tennessee. McClellan had two tackles for a loss and was credited with half a sack. He’s a key player on the defensive front and developing into a key role player for the Gators.
Mitchell has played in every game on special teams. The safety has three tackles on the season.
Freshmen who could still redshirt
QB Max Brown
OLB Jack Pyburn
OL Jalen Farmer
OL David Conner
DL Jamari Lyons
![Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier celebrates with Florida Gators wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11) after a touchdown during the first half at the Orange and Blue spring football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://on3static.com/cdn-cgi/image/height=215,width=393,quality=90,fit=cover,gravity=0.5x0.5/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/04/13155133/Untitled-design-65-2.png)
