ChompTalk.com

Saturday’s annual Orange and Blue Florida Football Spring Game was the true kickoff to the Florida Gators 2024 season, and the scrimmage showcased the gradual improvement the Gators have already made in Year 3 under Billy Napier.

Many eyes were on highly-touted true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, who was the signal caller for the Orange Team.

Lagway looked made to wear the Florida orange as he threw two touchdowns in the first half and nearly led his team to a victory.

The five-star freshman is not challenging the incumbent, Graham Mertz, for the starting job this season, but he showcased he is ready to play his role in Year 1, especially in specialty packages.

Mertz also showcased some immense chemistry with wide receiver Eugene “Tre” Wilson III, who had 8 catches for 128 yards and a touchdown.

With the loss of top receiver Ricky Pearsall to this year’s NFL Draft, Wilson is expected to assume the role as the top Gator offensive weapon, and he showcased Saturday he absolutely has the ability to do so.

Another position of focus was in the backfield, as Florida looked to fill the hole left by Trevor Etienne’s departure. While Montrell Johnson was quiet in the matchup, freshman Jadan Baugh was electric, racking up 77 yards on 12 carries.

Meanwhile, juco transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson had 60 yards for the Blue team, showcasing how despite the loss of arguably the unit’s most talented back, UF has added far more depth at the position.

The Gator defense also showed some signs of life in the matchup. The unit, which placed second-to-last in the nation in takeaways last year, had two interceptions, as well as a number of pass deflections and pressures.

Some standouts were South Carolina transfer linebacker Grayson “Pup” Howard, who had 6 tackles and a pass break up in the red zone, and linebacker Manny Nunnery, who had an interception and was seemingly all over the field.

Another encouraging sign was improved play on the defensive line, especially by defensive end George Gumbs Jr., who looked nearly unstoppable against the Orange O-Line.

A potential ares of concern came in the form of the offensive line, who struggled to keep up with the immense defensive pressure.

Furthermore, the depth at kicker looks to me an issue. While Trey Smack was ultra-efficient, backup Hunter Smith went 0-3 on his field goal attempts.

All in all, the Gators put on a great showing, showcasing that the talent is there to make it back to the postseason after last year’s dissapointing campaign.