GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida football held its third practice of the fall camp on Friday, Aug. 7, at the Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville. The Gators are preparing for their season opener against Florida Atlantic scheduled for Sept. 5 at The Swamp, with kickoff set for 7:45 p.m. on SEC Network. First-year head coach Jon Sumrall continues to conduct morning practices as the team works out four days consecutively to begin camp.
Sumrall’s Morning Practice Strategy
Coach Sumrall emphasized that players who participated in spring practice adapted well to the new schedule. "The guys that were here previously, then went through the spring, and got the format of the morning practice schedule, seemed to really enjoy it," Sumrall said. He noted that this timing allows the team to utilize their best energy levels when they are fresh and ready. Additionally, Sumrall indicated that scheduling practices late in the week helps maintain speed and freshness for Saturday games during the regular season.
While Florida has increased contact through blocking and tackling drills, the team is not yet wearing full pads. The open portion of practice provided visibility into several key roster battles and player statuses as the Gators approach their first game of the year.
The Quarterback Competition Continues
Florida’s quarterback battle remains unresolved between Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. Both players threw short, intermediate, and long routes during drills. Philo, a redshirt sophomore transfer from Georgia Tech who played under new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, completed a wheel route to running back Jadan Baugh in stride. Meanwhile, Jones, a redshirt freshman who backed up DJ Lagway last season, connected with tight end Amir Jackson on a deep throw down the sideline.
Sumrall stated there is "no timeline" for making a final decision at quarterback. The coaching staff will continue to evaluate performances as camp progresses through August before locking in the starter for the September 5 matchup against Florida Atlantic.
Injury Updates and Position Battles
Wide receiver Dallas Wilson, who reported being 100 percent after dealing with lingering foot issues earlier in the week, did not participate in live passing drills. Instead, he worked on catching passes using a JUGS machine. Senior defensive end Kam James, who tied for UF’s lead in sacks last season with 3.5, also trained at an indoor facility alongside trainers.
Other notable participants included freshman safety Kaiden Hall and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Jahari Medlock, both of whom worked out indoors. Redshirt sophomore Fletcher Westphal (6-8, 309 pounds) participated in drills with the offensive line. Westphal is currently competing against Emeka Ugorji and Eagen Boyer for the starting left tackle position.
