{"id":62626,"date":"2022-09-01T08:46:05","date_gmt":"2022-09-01T08:46:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/floridas-week-1-depth-chart-notes-and-observations\/"},"modified":"2022-09-01T08:46:05","modified_gmt":"2022-09-01T08:46:05","slug":"floridas-week-1-depth-chart-notes-and-observations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/floridas-week-1-depth-chart-notes-and-observations\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida’s Week 1 depth chart: Notes and observations"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Florida released its first official depth chart<\/a> of the Billy Napier<\/b> era following Wednesday’s practice, and there’s much to gather upon first glance, from the pecking order to updated weights for several players. Swamp247 has compiled a list of notes and observations from the depth chart release of what stands out from UF’s first depth chart under Napier. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2013 Florida’s running back room is considered to be a by-committee approach, with four capable runners, but one player was left off the list Wednesday. Lorenzo Lingard<\/b>the elder statesmen in the room, wasn’t listed on the depth chart. Nay’Quan Wright<\/b> was listed as starter, with the second-string rusher listed as either sophomore Montrell Johnson<\/b> or freshman Trevor Etienne<\/b>. It’s uncertain as to why Lingard was n’t listed, but his absence indicates he wo n’t be much of a factor against the Utes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2013 Desmond Watson<\/b>listed as the back-up behind Jane Lee<\/b>at nose tackle, appeared during the 14-minute observation window to have added weight to his frame, and Wednesday’s depth chart release confirmed that was the case. Watson, who was previously listed at 415 pounds on Florida’s official roster, is listed at 439 pounds after fall camp. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2013 Much has been made of Florida’s rotation at wideout, and what is presumably the slot position had a noticeable designation Wednesday with Ricky Pearsall<\/b> and Trent Whittemore<\/b> listed as the starting wide receiver at the position. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2013 Anthony Richardson<\/b>‘s status as starting quarterback was all but guaranteed, but who backs him up at signal-caller was an unknown coming into the week with reserve Jack Miller III currently out after surgery for a thumb avulsion fracture. On Wednesday’s depth chart, the back-up QB was listed as either Jalen Kitna<\/b> or walk-on Kyle Engel. The former dealt with an injury throughout fall camp but worked his way back and now should be the primary option if an emergency were to arise at quarterback. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2013 Billy Napier<\/b> indicated the Gators might split the kicking duties, and the depth chart confirmed the notion. Adam Mihalek<\/b> and Trey Smack<\/b> have an \u201cor\u201d listed between the two, which means both players should get a chance against Utah. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2013 There were some answers as to the starters at returner on special teams. Ja’Markis Weston<\/b> is the starter at kick returner, with Etienne listed second. Nay’Quan Wright and Xzavier Henderson<\/b> round out the rotation. On punt return, Henderson will start deep to receiver, with either Marshall or Etienne serving as second-string punt returner. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2013 Napier called Shemar James<\/b> an \u201cexceptional player\u201d during fall camp, and the depth chart reflected his ascension in the room. The freshman James is listed as the second-string weakside linebacker behind fifth-year linebacker Amari Burney<\/b>.<\/p>\n

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\u2013As expected, Jalen Lee will start at nose tackle ahead of Watson. Jaelin Humphries<\/b> checks in at third in the order, with Jamari Lyons<\/b> the fourth man in the group.<\/p>\n

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\u2013 James isn’t the only freshman likely to get playing time in his first season in Gainesville. Kamari Wilson<\/b>who signed with UF out of IMG Academy, is listed as Rashad Torrence’s backup at safety.<\/p>\n

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\u2013 Florida’s starting cornerback duo is Avery Helm<\/b> and Jason Marshall Jr.<\/b>. Behind Marshall is freshman corner Devin Moore<\/b>while Georgia transfer Jalen Kimber<\/b> is the back-up to Helm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n