Florida football: Not many surprises in Gators’ offensive depth chart

As the start of game week is upon us, Florida football coach Dan Mullen has unveiled his depth chart leading up to Saturday’s game with Miami.

In terms of surprises, there really aren’t many.

Florida football coach Dan Mullen officially handed out his depth chart for the No. 8 Gators’ season opener Saturday against Miami in Orlando.

The only questions on the chart relate to who will start at tight end and who would be the starting slot receiver.

At tight end, it has come down to Lucas Krull and Kyle Pitts for the starting job. Kemore Gamble and Dante Lange are knotted up for the third and fourth slots in the position.

Last season, Krull and Pitts were fairly equal on the field with Krull having six receptions for 75 yards and Pitts pulling down 3 receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. Ultimately, it is pretty hard to call who gets the nod here.

For slot receiver, Josh Hammond, Freddie Swain and Kadarius Toney are all competing for the starting job.

If it’s based strictly on last year’s figures (which it isn’t), Toney is the guy. He had 21 rushing attempts for 240 yards to go along with 25 receptions for 260 yards and a touchdown.

However, Swain had five touchdowns last year along with 14 catches for 265 yards while Hammond had four touchdowns on 28 receptions and 369 yards.

So, total yards … Toney has the upper hand. However, Hammond and Swain have more touchdowns.

Again, none of this really matters this year, but it is good that there is a healthy competition for the slot position.

The offensive line is going to be, well, inexperienced to say the least.

On the left side, Stone Forsythe and Brett Heggie will be tackle and guard, respectively. Nick Buchanan, as we all figured, is the starting center as he is the only one returning with experience. Chris Bleich will start at right tackle and Jean Delance next to him at right tackle.

Another competition will be for another wide receiver position as Tyrie Cleveland and Trevon Grimes continue to battle for a spot. Cleveland is probable for the game after suffering a broken collarbone. That said, I think Grimes starts and Cleveland could come in as needed.

Van Jefferson will start on the left as a receiver while La’Mical Perine is at the top of the running back depth chart. Malik Davis, Dameon Pierce and Iverson Clement follow behind.

The role of back-up quarterback isn’t set in stone either. Kyle Trask and Emery Jones continue to work to go behind starter Feleipe Franks.