By Skeeter Smith
After a challenging early signing day for Florida, all eyes and focus will turn to the transfer portal to fill missing pieces. In what appears to be a “make it or break it” year for Billy Napier’s coaching tenure, he must significantly improve his roster via the portal to survive another season.
Offensive Line
The Gators faced difficulties in protecting Mertz last season, with 31 sacks, ranking fourth most in the SEC. While the unit showed improvement in the run game, it lacked consistency in creating lanes for star running backs. Florida has already secured the signing of offensive tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson from San Diego State. Additionally, there is an ongoing effort to reunite with former Gator Michael Tarquin, who transferred to USC last offseason
Defensive Back
UF’s defensive backfield will undergo changes from the past season. Safety, in particular, is a position Florida aimed to upgrade. Following the decommitment of 5-star safety Xavier Filisame, the Gators must be aggressive in addressing this need. A commitment from Oregon cornerback Tikweze Bridges has already been secured but the team intends to add more players in this cycle.
Committed to The University of Florida @GatorsFB 🐊 #GoGator #SEC pic.twitter.com/rqn4h14G2L
— On1y1Kweze (@Trikweze) December 18, 2023
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Wide Receiver
Florida will lose its most productive pass catcher of the last two years as Ricky Pearsall declared for the NFL draft. While the team has promising young talent at this position, there is a desire to enhance depth and experience for the upcoming season. Chimere Dike, a former teammate of Graham Mertz at Wisconsin, recently committed to the Gators. Discussions with Tulane transfer Chris Brazzel are also ongoing.
Defensive Line
With the departures of Will Norman, Princewell Umanmielen, and Chris McClellan, the Gators need to add one or two pieces to the defensive line to compensate for the loss of production. The signing of Penn transfer Joey Slackman, listed as a defensive tackle, has already strengthened the line. Expect the Gators to possibly add one more player to enhance depth on the defensive front.
Let’s get to work, @GatorsFB 🐊. pic.twitter.com/NR6BzHyG1S
— Joey Slackman (@JoeySlackman) December 18, 2023
