Florida football: An in-depth look at the Gators’ offensive line
Left Guard
Despite battling injuries all last season and not being too terribly consistent, redshirt junior Brett Heggie could earn the starting nod at left tackle.
More from Florida Gators Football
- Florida football: Billy Napier disappointed in how Gators’ handling success
- Florida football: Gators’ defense ranks No. 2 in the country in vital stat
- Florida Football: Former target Cormani McClain struggling at Colorado
- Florida Football: The curious case of Kamari Wilson
- Florida Football: Gators know consistency is the next big step
Heggie played nine games last season — at both guard and tackle — but nagging injuries spurred from a 2017 season-ending injury at Missouri kept him from getting any consistency on the line.
If he is healthy, Heggie is a force. Heck, in 2017 he earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week after the Gators’ game against Vanderbilt.
But, the injuries will be the big question mark.
His backup:
Chris Bleich, a redshirt freshman, could get a good amount of playing time as Heggie’s backup. If Heggie isn’t healthy, Bleich could work into a starting role. Last season, Bleich appeared as a reserve lineman in games against Charleston Southern, Colorado State, Idaho and Michigan, thus earned a redshirt.
If his high school stats lead to anything, when Bleich plays, running back La’Mical Perine should be very happy to run off the left (Bleich’s high school team averaged 260 yards on the ground and 46 touchdowns his senior season.