Football in Florida: Gators rookies played the fifth-most snaps nationwide.
Florida football finished the season with a dismal 5-7 record, and the coaches need to address a number of on-field issues before the next fall season.
The young team the Gators were fielding in between the hashes is one bright spot in their struggles.
A few freshmen from Florida stood out early in the season and contributed consistently the entire time.
According to PFF, the Gators’ freshmen played the fifth-most snaps in the nation this season.
Guys like Jordan Castell and Eugene Wilson led the Gators’ freshmen class this season in terms of on-field output.
Wilson hauled in 61 passes for 538 yards and six touchdowns, while Castell finished with 59 tackles, three pass deflections, and an interception.
Players like Treyaun Webb and Aidan Mizell showed us glimpses of their potential elsewhere on the offensive line. The young guys who impressed us the most were on defense, though.
The Gators’ secondary was led by Ja’Keem Jackson, Sharif Denson, and Bryce Thornton, while the opposing offensive lines were severely damaged by players like Kelby Collins and TJ Searcy.
Undoubtedly, during the season, all of the young players in pivotal roles occasionally displayed negative traits, such as making careless mistakes and
Columbia, Missouri, USA: In the first half at Memorial Stadium’s Faurot Field, Florida Gators wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) returns a kick against the Missouri Tigers. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Denny Medley
However, it is encouraging to see the coaches willing to play younger, better players rather than older ones, especially in light of the previous coaching staff’s actions in that area.
There is still a ton of young talent on the roster, even though the transfer portal is taking away some of the young players that Gator supporters were hoping to see again next season.
The future may be bright if Napier can refine the program.
