Florida football: Gators’ 2-deep roster updates for Tennessee

Not a whole lot has changed from Week 0 to Week 4 in terms of the Florida football depth chart, with the exception of one position.

There haven’t been a lot of changes in Florida football’s 2-deep roster since the start of the season nearly a month ago.

The roster, released Monday, shows a lot of “or” players in certain positions, but there is just one big change.

It’s not one that’s a big surprise coming after Saturday’s 29-21 win at Kentucky.

Here’s a look at the position-by-position breakdown of the Florida football 2-deep roster:

Quarterback

Kyle Trask or Emory Jones

This is the big change to the roster. The key here is the “or,” meaning head coach Dan Mullen and the offensive coaching staff aren’t willing to make either Trask — who came in and led the Gators to 19 unanswered points in the win at Kentucky — or Jones.

Both have qualities the other doesn’t have, which could lead to a Chris Leak–Tim Tebow situation from nearly a decade ago.

Trask has a passer rating of 168.02, which is considerably higher than Jones’ 29.20, but that can be attributed to more snaps taken by Trask.

Slot wide receiver

Josh Hammond or Freddie Swain

Swain had the great touchdown catch last week at Kentucky, but so did Hammond. It was Hammond’s catch that ultimately won the game for the Gators.

Hammond has more yards (129) than Swain (67). Hammond also has 76 yards rushing after last week’s game-winning touchdown.

Now, this isn’t a traditional competition because Mullen would be foolish to not play both of them against Tennessee.

Who starts? Who really cares?

Wide receiver

Tyrie Cleveland or Trevon Grimes

Again, this isn’t really a competition because both will likely see the field on Saturday.

Grimes has better stats (8 receptions for 116 yards) than Cleveland (4 catches for 65 yards and a touchdown), but it’s still pretty early in the season, so neither one really stands out of the other.

This is another “who starts, who cares” kind of scenario because both are dangerous and will likely be on the field against the Volunteers.

Tight end

Kyle Pitts or Lucas Krull

Pitts is the Gators’ fourth-most active receiver with nine catches for 99 yards while Krull has played, but hasn’t made any catches — used mostly as a blocking tight end.

Again, both will play but it will depend on the situation the Gators are in to see who plays when.

If it is a situation where Florida needs an extra receiver, Pitts is the guy.

Planning to run the football, anticipating a blitz or safeties playing tight, then Krull will see the field.

Cornerback

CJ Henderson or Jaydon Hill or Chester Kimbrough

All three are extremely talented. However, Henderson is the go-to, when he is healthy.

Henderson was out of the game with Kentucky and it’s still not known whether he will play against Tennessee.

Hill and Kimbrough have traded places with Hill playing two games and Kimbrough in one, but both are fast and effective.

That all said, Henderson is the preferred cornerback on the left.

On the right, it is Marco Wilson to start and Kaiir Elam coming in at instances.

Middle linebacker

Ventrell Miller or Amari Burney

Miller has been dominant at middle linebacker, recording 15 total tackles — second only to David Reece — including two tackles for loss and two sacks.

Burney hasn’t been nearly as productive for Florida football, only playing one game this season and getting just two tackles from the position.

I’m not sure why this would be labeled an “or” position as Miller is the clear favorite for the starting job.

Star linebacker

Trey Dean III or Amari Burney

Much like the competition for a middle linebacker, Burney is overshadowed by Dean.

In the three games for Florida football this season, Dean has six total tackles, including 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup.

And, just like the middle linebacker slot, it is unclear why this would be an “or” position as Dean is the starter, with Burney coming in if needed.

Safeties

Jeawon Taylor or Brad Stewart

Donovan Stiner or Shawn Davis

There is a bit of a question as to who the two regular starting safeties will be for the Gators.

Thus far, Davis has been solid with 12 tackles, including one tackle for loss, two interceptions, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.

Taylor is a stronger candidate for the other safety position as he has recorded seven tackles, including one for loss and a quarterback hurry.

However, Stiner isn’t a slacker. He also has seven tackles on the season.

Stewart has seen limited playing time this season, playing in just one game and recording two tackles.

The edge goes to Davis and Taylor, with Stiner being a good off-the-bench safety when needed.

Florida football will host Tennessee at noon Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.