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One of the most pressing position needs in the offseason for Billy Napier was the offensive line. Florida lost consistent starters such as Micah Mazzccua and Richie Leonard IV to the transfer portal. Center Kingsley Eguakun, who missed much of last season to injury, was drafted by the Detroit Lions in April.

Despite the losses, Florida will return some familiar names and valuable experience to this position group. The Gators also added some depth to the offensive line through the transfer portal.

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Florida returns some valuable experience to the line. Jake Slaughter, Damieon George Jr. and Austin Barber will serve as the top athletes of the position group. 

Slaughter, a redshirt junior, is clearly cut to start at center for the Gators in the fall. He made eight starts last season in place of Eguakun and is one of the most experienced linemen on the team.

Barber played 561 snaps in 2023 and will be an anchor for the line at tackle. George Jr., who started in 11 games last season and is also a tackle, will be another valuable returning presence. 

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Transfer Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson seeks to make an immediate impact for the Gators. The RS senior transferred from San Diego State for his final year of eligibility and is the eldest member of Florida’s new offensive line. He was a starting tackle at SDSU for three straight seasons.

Meanwhile, sophomore Knijeah Harris will be the youngest starter on the line at guard. He was in the starting lineup once in 2023 but appeared in all 12 games.

Florida was wrought with injuries across the board last season, including on the line. The coaching staff had to adjust by consistently changing the starting lineup and moving linemen to different positions.

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This year, RS freshman Roderick Kearney and Arkansas transfer Devon Manuel will provide essential depth and support. 

Manuel started four games for the Razorbacks in 2023 and played over 450 snaps. Kearney, a top-100 recruit who flipped from FSU to Florida in 2022, redshirted his freshman year. He’s practiced at various positions in fall camp and is primed to see the field for the first time in a limited role barring injuries to starters. 

The Gators will face four of the top ten-ranked defensive lines in the nation according to PFF. The outcome of Florida’s 2024-25 campaign will heavily depend upon how the five orange and blue jerseys up front are able to perform against some of the best competition college football has to offer.