2020 Florida Gators Preview
CFB Saturdays presents its inaugural team previews. Below you will find our comprehensive 2020 Florida Gators Preview. (Note all recruiting rankings are based upon 247Sports composite rankings).
A Look Back and a Peek Ahead
Florida ended last season with a solid win over Virginia in the Orange Bowl and an 11-2 record. The losses came at LSU (in a game that was closer than the final score indicates) and a 24-17 loss to Georgia.
The offense was good but not great, ranking #45 nationally in yards per game (430.5), #16 in yards per play (6.47), and #52 in 3rd down conversions (41.14%). The passing game was great ranking #16 in passing yards per game (300.8) and 21st in yards per attempt (8.4). The rushing attack, however, was not reliable (#107 in yards per game & #74 in yards per carry) and held the offense back from being elite. Against Miami, Georgia, and Missouri the rushing average never exceeded 2.15 per carry.
The defense was dominant last season ranking #9 in yards per game (304.8), #21 in yards per play (4.90), #4 in sacks per game (3.77), #11 in TFLs per game (7.85), and #7 in points per game (15.5). The unit held nine opponents to 21 points or less and continued Florida’s tradition of tremendous play on that side of the ball.
The coaching staff remains largely intact but there was a significant influx of transfer talent including three former five star recruits. That will be needed to replace the talent lost to the NFL draft and graduation.
2020 Florida Gators Preview – Offense
Quarterback
The Gators return RSr. Kyle Trask (6’5” 239) who stepped in for 2019 incumbent Felipe Franks. Franks suffered a season ending injury in the third game of the season against Kentucky. Trask was an excellent trigger man for Dan Mullen’s offense, getting the ball out quickly and accurately. He posted impressive numbers for the season – 245.1 YPG, 66.9% completions, 8.3 YPA, 25 TDs and 7 INTs.
Trask faced six defenses who ranked in the top 40 in yards per play and top 20 in yards per attempt – LSU, Georgia, Auburn, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri. In those games his numbers were as follows: 250.3 YPG, 64.2% completions, 8.4 YPA, 11 TDs and 3 INTs. He only played a part of the Kentucky game and had he played the whole game his YPG would have been around 270.0 YPG).
The numbers show that Trask did not fold against his toughest foes and actually played very well. Mullen has every reason to trust Trask in critical games and Trask should be expected to deliver in those matchups again this season. With a successful season as the starter under his belt, Trask (#8 in our QB rankings) is the unquestioned leader heading into his senior season.
Behind Trask is the talented and athletic RSoph. Emory Jones (6’2” 199). Jones’ ability to make plays on the ground is a stark contrast from the pro passing style of Trask. The 2019 offense featured Jones in some capacity in nearly every game as the coaching staff sought to develop the young talent.
Jones posted solid passing numbers in those limited opportunities but his consistency remains an unknown due to the small sample size. Expect Mullen to continue to mix Jones into the offense to take advantage of his running ability (256 yards, 6.1 YPC, 4 TDs). Jones provides a capable backup who should continue to progress as he gains more game experience.
Newcomer four star Anthony Richardson (6’4” 224) will have the benefit of redshirting this season with the incumbents solidified ahead of him.
2020 Outlook: Senior Kyle Trask will enter his second season of leading the Gators offense. Emory Jones should continue to be utilized to take advantage of his rushing ability. Trask’s ability to handle tough opponents will be vital to the team’s success.
Running back
The Florida rushing attack was not a particularly formidable one in 2019. Making matters worse, last year’s leading rusher (676 YDs) Lamical Perine is now in the NFL. Dameon Pierce is the favorite to take over the starting job entering his junior season. Pierce is a decisive runner and had respectable production as the top back up last season – 54 CARs, 305 YDs, 5.65 AVG. and 4 TDs. Pierce does not bring the receiving ability of Perine (9 career RECs) but will likely see more targets in 2020.
Returning behind Pierce is RJr. Malik Davis, R.So. Iverson Clement, and RFr. Nay’Quan Wright. Davis had a promising start to his career as a freshman but injuries have affected his play and recent production (34 CARs, 86 YDs, 1 TD). Clement and Wright are former four star recruits who have not had much opportunity at the collegiate level (combined 19 career CARs). Wright did demonstrate some explosive ability as a recruit and could work his way up the depth chart.
Former five star transfer RB Lorenzo Lingard could provide an immediate boost to the group if healthy. Lingard was a track star in high school and brings legitimate homerun ability to the position with adequate size (6’0” 202). The speedster suffered an ACL injury as a freshmen and did not record a rush in 2019. It remains to be seen if he will be granted immediately eligibility to play this season.
2020 Outlook: This position is a concern. Dameon Pierce provides solid play but his skillset is limited. There is not much proven production behind him, but a younger back could emerge. If Lorenzo Lingard is granted immediate eligibility the former five star talent could be a game changer.
Wide Receiver
The Gators lose a tremendous amount of talent and experience with Van Jefferson, Freddie Swain, Tyrie Cleveland and Josh Hammond all gone. Their production will not be easy to replace but there is reason for optimism.
Trevon Grimes (6’5” 214) will look to build on a solid junior campaign (33 REC, 491 YDs, 3 TDs) as the primary receiver in 2020. Grimes has a ton of untapped potential and will have every opportunity to fulfill it this season.
He is joined by Sr. Kadarius Toney and RSoph. Jacob Copeland as the front runners for playing time. Toney is a playmaker that tends to do most of his damage after the ball is in his hands. Mullen has featured him on jet sweeps in the running game as well.
Copeland is a young talent who found a way to contribute in a crowded wide receiver room as a freshman (21 REC, 273 YDs, 2 TDs). Copeland possesses the ability to make chunk plays in the passing game and was a heralded recruit coming out of high school.
Upperclassmen RSr. Rick Wells and RJr. Jordan Pouncey have minimal production and cannot be expected to contribute much. Wells has received praise for his ability off-field issues & suspensions have limited his production. There is also potential for a trio of redshirt freshmen to make a move up the depth chart – Trent Whittemore, Ja’Markis Weston, and Dionte Marks. None of the three were heralded recruits but they each have the physical tools to develop into difference makers.
There is a threesome of talented freshmen with great length in Xavier Henderson, Jaquavion Fraziars, and Leonard Manuel (assuming he eventually signs his LOI). Each player is listed above 6’3” and Henderson displays excellent athleticism for his size (4.55 40 and 21.09 200m). Given the lack of proven depth behind the starters it would not be surprising to see one of the freshmen make an immediate impact.
Former five star Justin Shorter (6’4” 235) announced his transfer from Penn State to Florida earlier this year and has a world of talent if he is granted immediate eligibility. Shorter is another big bodied receiver with upside but there are concerns stemming from his lack of production at Penn State.
2020 Outlook: This unit loses a great deal of talent and experience but Trevon Grimes, Kadarius Toney, and Jacob Copeland provide a strong mixture of pass catching talent. Expect the younger players on the roster to make an impact this season.
Offensive Line
The offensive line was a major question mark going into 2019. This year, the unit returns four starters from an offensive line that was tied for 55th in sacks allowed, 36th in tackles for loss allowed, 107th in rushing yards per game, and 74th in rushing yards per attempt. On the plus side, the sack and TFL rankings indicate a unit that was not overly susceptible to penetration. On the down side, the lower rushing rankings show that this unit was not one that could impose its will on opponents in the run game. This confirms our subjective observation that this was a solid but unspectacular unit last season.
At left tackle RJr. Stone Forsythe (6’7” 329) returns after starting all 13 games in 2019. His presence provides stability to the most important position up front. Talented RSoph. Richard Gouraige (6’4” 298) returns at left guard having started five games there this past season. Gouraige is an athletic player and could move to tackle to provide improved athleticism. RJr. Brett Heggie (6’4” 330) was able to make it through the season without significant injuries and started 12 games at tackle. Heggie is a logical candidate to replace Nick Buchanan at center due to his experience and versatility.
Recent Mississippi State transfer Stewart Reese will be an immediate starter at right guard after starting 34 games in the SEC. Reese has experience at both tackle and guard so there is a possibility he plays tackle, but we see him filling this void at a minimum. At right tackle RSr. Jean Delance (6’4” 314) returns after starting 13 games last season. Delance’s play has been inconsistent but he could improve with an additonal year’s worth of starting experience under the tutelage of John Hevesy. As previously mentioned, Gouraige or Reese could provide more athleticism than Delance at right tackle in which case Delance could slide to guard.
Massive Soph. Ethan White (6’5” 370) is positioned to contribute as the top reserve guard. He was primarily a reserve but started at right guard against Vanderbilt in 2019. White will need to continue to reshape his body (he has already done so & been cited at weighing 330 despite the official listing of 370) but his massive size & strength could lead him to push for starting reps on the interior. RJr. T.J. Moore and RSoph. Griffin McDowell have been in the program for three plus years but have only played in a reserve role.
Redshirt freshmen OT Michael Tarquin (four star), OG Riley Simonds, OG William Harrod (four star), and C Kingsley Eguakun, will have every opportunity to make a move up the depth chart. This group has some talented players but their ability to contribute this season depends on how much they have developed in their first year.
True freshmen four star OT Joshua Braun (6’6” 335) is an early enrollee who has the size and athleticism to crack the two deep in his first season. Expect fellow freshmen Richard Leonard and Gerald Mincey to redshirt.
2020 Outlook: The starting five is solidified with four returning starters and experienced grad transfer Stewart Reese (34 games started) filling the one vacancy. The starting unit should be very solid and better than last year. Depth is a concern but there are a handful of young players who could take a step forward in their development.
Tight End
Florida returns its most talented offensive player at this position in Kyle Pitts (#1 in our rankings). Pitts took a huge leap forward in his sophomore year in which he amassed 54 REC, 649 YDs, and 5 TDs. The smooth athlete has tremendous size (6’6” 239) to go along with his natural pass catching ability. Pitts needs to develop further as a blocker and should continue to refine his technique as he fills out his frame. Expect Pitts to be a finalist for the Mackey award in 2020.
Soph. Keon Zipperer should build on his freshman season in which he was primarily utilized as a blocker. Zipperer (6’2” 232) proved to be effective as a blocker as a true freshman and has the athleticism and ability to become a receiving threat in his second season. Although he does not have ideal length for the position, Zipperer was rated the #2 TE in the nation as a recruit. He will have an opportunity to demonstrate those talents as the primary backup this season.
RJr. Kemore Gamble and RSoph. Dante Lang have both proven to be effective blockers and provide plenty of depth. Gamble also has some pass catching upside that can be utilized on occasion.
True freshman Jonathan Odom is the only newcomer at the position. Odom is considered a strong blocker with excellent size (6’5” 250) and is a Gator legacy (his father was a four year starter at OT). Odom will have the benefit of redshirting with the depth in front of him.
2020 Outlook: One of the nation’s best TE’s returns in Kyle Pitts. Pitts will be joined by Keon Zipperer, a young talent with lots of potential, to form a very strong duo. There is experienced depth behind those two and this position group is elite.
2020 Florida Gators Preview – Defense
Defensive Line
Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s defense utilizes a rush end (buck) and a more traditional strong-side defensive end. The Gators lose two very productive edge rushers in Jabari Zuniga (7 TFLs & 3 sacks in 6 games) and Jonathan Greenard (15.5 TFLs & 9.5 sacks) but there are key contributors ready to step up in 2020.
RJr. Zachary Carter (6’4” 263) is the front runner to start on the strong-side after a productive sophomore campaign (31 TKLs, 7 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 4 QBH). Carter has the talent and size to continue his ascension as a reliable playmaker for the Florida defense.
Opposite Carter will be a battle between RSr. Jeremiah Moon (6’6” 228) and former five star Brenton Cox (6’4” 245). Moon had a solid season as a top reserve last season (31 TKLs, 6.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, 3 QBH in 9 games) before suffering a season ending foot injury. Moon has an excellent frame that should continue to fill out and that extra bulk could help improve his consistency against the run. Cox is a very talented player who flashed his elite upside toward the end of his true freshmen season at Georgia in 2018 (0.5 TFL v. Alabama and Texas). The transfer from the divisional rival is a welcome addition who will push Moon for the starting position. Expect both players to play plenty and provide a strong pass rushing presence in 2020.
Behind the top three is a handful of talented young players in Soph. Mohamoud Diabate (6’2” 213), RSoph. Andrew Chatfield (6’0” 243), R.Soph. David Reese (6’0” 220), Soph. Khris Bogle (6’6” 216), and RFr. Lloyd Summerall (6’5” 214). All four players held four star rankings as recruits and have had the luxury of developing behind talented upperclassmen. Diabate (4.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks) and Bogle (4.0 TFLs, 2.5 sacks) in particular have flashed their ability in mop-up duty. The players who bulk up the most will be in position to back up Carter on the strong-side.
Early enrollee four star Antwaun Powell (6’3” 234) and four star Princely Umanmielen (6’4” 249) are the two freshmen added in the 2020 class. Both have promise but are likely redshirt candidates with the talent and depth ahead of them.
Senior leader Kyree Campbell returns as the starting nose tackle. Campbell (6’3” 304) is a solid player who should hold the point of attack much like he did this past season. He is not expected to produce much in the way of stats (39 TKLs, 4.0 TFLs, 1 sack) but could improve his production with another year under his belt.
Campbell will be backed up by RJr. Elijah Conliffe (6’4” 312) and RFr. Jaelin Humphries (6’4” 320) who are both four star recruits that lack proven production. Conliffe’s development has been slowed by injuries and Humphries is coming off a redshirt season. They may be unknowns currently but both will have an opportunity to be key reserves.
At the three technique the Gators lose senior Adam Shuler but return senior Tedarrell Slaton who showed continued improvement last season. Slaton is a massive player (6’5” 358) with a surprising first step that can hold down the nose tackle position as well. Slaton produced 29 TKLs, 4.0 TFL, 2 sacks, and 3 QBH in 2019 with a good chunk of that production coming in the last three games of the season. Slaton could be taking his game to another level if the close to the season is any indication.
Providing some depth will be RSr. Marlon Dunlap (6’3” 295) who has battled injuries and produced very little in his career. If Dunlap can stay healthy he will have an opportunity to contribute as a backup in 2020.
This group will get a huge boost from 12th ranked overall recruit Gervon Dexter (6’6” 286). It is always difficult for a freshmen to play on the line of scrimmage in a tough conference like the SEC but Dexter has the tools to do so. It will be interesting to monitor his development in the fall.
In addition to Dexter, Florida added three other four star defensive tackle prospects in Lamar Goods (6’3” 310), Johnnie Brown (6’2” 250), and Jalen Lee (6’3” 294). The numbers at the position look much better with their additions and they should have an opportunity to develop in 2020.
2020 Outlook: Zachary Carter is the favorite at strong-defensive end. Jeremiah Moon and elite talent Brenton Cox will form a strong duo at rush end. There are young players who could emerge this season behind those three. Kyree Campbell and Tedarrell Slaton form a solid starting duo on the inside, but there is unproven depth behind them. True Freshmen Gervon Dexter could contribute immediately.
Linebacker
Florida’s leading tackler (39 more TKLs than #2) and senior leader David Reese II will be sorely missed. Fellow starter RJr. Ventrell Miller (6’0” 222) does return as the team’s second leading tackler after recording 55 TKLs, 5.5 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, 2 PBU, and 1QBH. Also providing experience is RJr. James Houston (6’1” 233) who recorded 38 TKLs, 6.0 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 2 QBH, and 1 FF in 2019. The production and experience of Miller and Houston will provide stability but their upside is limited by their average to above average athleticism.
RJr. Lacedrick Brunson (6’1” 229) played some as a reserve last season and will be a top reserve from an experience standpoint. Redshirt freshmen Jesiah Pierre (6’2” 225) and Ty’Ron Hopper (6’2” 215) will have an opportunity to contribute with the scarce depth at the position. Do not discount Hopper as he was the 4th highest ranked OLB in the 2019 recruiting class and is a tremendous athlete at the position. He may have the highest upside out of any returning linebacker on the roster.
If depth remains a concern, the coaching staff may elect to convert a smaller edge rusher to linebacker (such as Diabate or Reese). This is speculation at this point but a possibility to worth monitoring.
True freshman Derek Wingo (6’2” 210) is an excellent athlete at the position and will have a chance to contribute right away. Wingo was the #5 OLB in his class and could provide immediate depth if he is ready.
2020 Outlook: Returners Ventrell Miller and James Houston provide a solid and stabilizing presence at the position, but lack high end athleticism. Depth is a concern but Ty’Ron Hopper will have every opportunity to utilize his upside and push the starters this season.
Defensive Back
Florida loses elite cover man C.J. Henderson to the NFL Draft (9th overall) but has two talented players ready to fill the void. RJr. Marco Wilson returns as a starter with all conference ability. Wilson was productive in his first full season starting (he was injured in 2018) recording 36 TKLs, 2.5 TFL, 2 PBU, and 3 INTs. Wilson will likely play the field corner and is an excellent player in coverage.
Opposite Wilson will be Soph. Kaiir Elam (6’2” 187) who produced in limited opportunities in 2019 (11 TKLs, 4 PBU, and 3 INTs). Elam is a physical corner who is willing and capable in run support. Elam was the #48 overall recruit and #6 CB in his class and will likely make a name for himself in 2020.
Soph. Jaydon Hill is the only other returning player at the position. Hill is a former four star who has the talent and athleticism to be a solid contributor as he gains experience.
Expect Jr. Amari Burney (6’2” 224) to slide to the nickel/star after playing linebacker in 2019. Burney is a new age nickel/star player who can play near the line of scrimmage and cover in space. Burney only played in eight games due to injury but was a productive tackler (37 TKLs, 4.63 per game). Burney will likely take the next step in his development and be a versatile weapon for Grantham’s defense.
Soph. Chester Kimbrough and RSr. Christopher McWilliams are likely candidates as Burney’s backups. Both are more traditional nickel corners who will be utilized primarily in coverage.
The depth on the outside is a concern and the Gators signed plenty of cornerbacks to address the issue. Headlining the group is early enrollee Jahari Rogers (6’0” 170) who was the #7 CB in the class. He is joined by fellow freshmen Ethan Pouncey (four star), Avery Helm (four star), Mordecai McDaniel (four star), and Fenley Graham (four star). Very few freshmen can handle playing on an island but one of these guys will likely have to step up during the season.
Florida returns a ton of experience at safety with seniors Brad Stewart (28 TKLs, 2 TFL), Shawn Davis (51 TKLs, 1 TFL, 3PBU, 3 INTs), and Donovan Stiner (30 TKLs, 1 TFL, 1 PBU, 4 INTs). It appears that Davis has claimed the starting spot over Stiner but both will play plenty. Trey Dean will provide competition after a productive season in limited duty (26 TKLs, 3.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 PBU). This position group is a clear strength of the team with a blend of experience, production, and talent.
Behind the top four at safety is RSr. Quincy Lenton who has not produced much in his career. Freshmen four star Rashard Torrence and three star Tre’Vez Johnson are likely headed for redshirts this season, although Johnson could surprise and play at star or safety some.
2020 Outlook: Quincy Wilson will be a lock down corner and Kaiir Elam could blossom into a star opposite him. Look for Amari Burney to play the star/nickel and provide early down versatility. The top four safeties return and promise to be a steady force on the backend.
Special Teams
With the departure of P Tommy Townsend look for Jacob Finn to take over as the starter. Newcomer Jeremy Crawshaw hails from ProKick Australia and appears to have the raw talent to challenge Finn for the starting position.
The accurate Evan McPherson enters his junior season as a two year starter who has converted 34/38 field goal attempts and only missed one extra point in his career. Freshmen Zack Sessa will have the luxury of redshirting behind McPherson.
2020 Outlook: Evan McPherson is very accurate and one of the better kickers in the country. At punter Jacob Finn will get the first crack at holding the position with Australian newcomer Jeremy Crawshaw challenging him.
2020 Florida Gators Outlook
The offense must replace four experienced contributors at receiver but somehow has three experienced players ready to step up. Running back is a position of concern that lacks a player with clear cut number one back talent (unless Lingard is eligible and healthy).
Outside of that there is plenty to like starting with QB Kyle Trask. Trask has proven he can operate the offense effectively and will rely on superstar TE Kyle Pitts as he builds a rapport with the new receivers. The starting five upfront are very solid and could be very good if either Stewart Reese or Richard Gouraige prove to be effective at right tackle. This offense is good with the potential to be great if the new playmakers are ready for the moment.
The defense is excellent at defensive end, safety, star/nickel, and cornerback. The interior and linebackers have solid starters but lack proven depth. The same can be said for cornerback where the team could be relying on a bevy of young players if either Wilson or Elam were to miss time.
The combination of strong pass rushers and an excellent secondary should lead to another strong defense for Florida. The defense could be dominant again if younger players can provide some needed depth at positions of need.
As for the schedule, Florida faces two tough opponents in LSU and Kentucky at home. SEC East rival Georgia will be a difficult matchup but the Gators face them after a bye week and have the ammunition to win. Kentucky should not be slept on in the second game of the season as they were a tough out last season and return an experienced and talented team. That experience could be the difference as the Gators break-in new players at the skill positions. Outside of those three games, Florida should be able to win the other nine games. Things don’t always go as planned, however, and we see a trip to Ole Miss sandwiched between LSU and Georgia as a potential letdown spot. A 10-2 regular season is our expectation for 2020.
This Florida team is just a notch below the elite teams, but is nipping at their heels. Dan Mullen is an excellent game day coach known for maximizing his team’s talent. If a few holes on the roster are filled this squad could exceed expectations.
To see a complete list of our Team Previews click here.
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Kyle Trask Image taken by Gamecock Central is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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