In Gainesville, Florida, the roster changes have been significant this winter, as the team has seen a total of 30 new players added on scholarship while 21 have departed through the NCAA transfer portal. Additionally, some players are leaving for the NFL Draft or to pursue other career paths. All Gators is analyzing each position on Florida’s roster as they prepare for spring training camp. They’re reviewing how each group performed in 2023 and discussing their outlook for the 2024 season. After examining the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end units, the focus now shifts to Florida’s offensive line. Any positions affected by transfers during the spring will be revisited later, with final depth chart projections expected during the fall training camp in August.
2023 SEASON IN REVIEW: FLORIDA’S OFFENSIVE LINE
Before the 2023 season, Florida faced the challenge of replacing four out of five starters on its offensive line. The team relied on the expectation that the new lineup would quickly come together during summer and fall camp. However, this endeavor became increasingly difficult as players were shuffled around due to transfers and injuries mounted during the preseason training.
The situation reached near-crisis levels when experienced center Kingsley Eguakun, who had started 26 consecutive games for the Gators in 2021 and 2022, suffered a severe ankle sprain during fall camp. This sidelined him for most of the season, despite being considered a key figure in the offensive line. Consequently, Florida’s offensive line, which underwent a complete overhaul with all five positions changing from the previous season, struggled significantly. In their best form, the lineup consisted of Austin Barber at left tackle, Richie Leonard IV at left guard, Jake Slaughter at center, Micah Mazzccua at right guard, and Dameion George Jr. at right tackle. However, the unit’s performance notably declined in both run blocking and pass protection. The rushing offense dropped from being ranked 25th nationally in 2022 to 77th in 2023, while quarterback Graham Mertz faced heavy pressure, being sacked 39 times and allowing 120 total pressures according to Pro Football Focus, ranking 114th in the nation. The offensive line’s struggles were evident from the start, particularly in a disappointing performance against No. 14 Utah in Week 1, and persisted throughout the season, contributing to a disappointing 5-7 record. Moreover, the group was frequently penalized, demonstrating challenges across all aspects of play and casting doubts on its potential for improvement even if it remained unchanged. Following the season, several starters and rotational players opted to leave for the NFL Draft or via the transfer portal. Consequently, the Gators face the task of rebuilding the offensive line once again as they enter a critical third year under the Napier regime.
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