Florida football: Offensive line for Gators must keep Richardson upright

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Sep 18, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Richard Gouraige (76) against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Florida football offensive line: Richard Gouraige

Given the task this season of protecting Anthony Richardson’s blindside, Richard Gouraige’s presence along the offensive line should give the young QB confidence he won’t get drilled in the back.

Listed at 6-5, 308 pounds, Gouraige moved from guard to left tackle last season and held up very well in the role. Even against teams like Georgia, opposing defensive ends had a very hard time getting around Gouraige.

His support in the run game could be a little bit better, as he normally was at a stalemate with opposing linemen on running plays.

Gouraige has the opportunity to move up NFL draft boards with a solid season.

Florida Gators offensive lineman Ethan White (77) during the second game of the season against the USF BullsFlgai 09112021 Ufvs Usf Action28 /

Florida football offensive line: Ethan White

Expected to be a starting guard along the line, Ethan White should be a mainstay all season.

If he can stay healthy.

A knee injury cut short his 2020 season and an ankle injury against LSU all but ended his 2021 season. Already this season has missed time at camp due to an unspecified injury.

When healthy, White provides stability in the passing game and picks up his assignments well. As a pulling guard on run plays White usually gets to his mark in time but isn’t one to just pancake a guy for the sake of it.

White is listed at 6-4, 331 pounds. This is down 60 pounds from his listed high school weight of 390 pounds.

Florida Gators center Kingsley Eguakun (65) against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Florida football offensive line: Kingsley Eguakun

Kingsley Eguakun is Florida’s man in the middle that started all 13 games at center last season. He wasn’t highly regarded coming out of high school but has found his way onto NFL radars.

Eguakun was brought to Florida to be a guard but took over the starting job as a center and Mel Kiper has him listed as the ninth-best center for the 2023 NFL draft.

Listed at 6-3, 301 pounds, Eguakun became more and more comfortable in the role as the season progressed. While there were issues with getting the snap off on time against Kentucky, Eguakun seems poised this year to anchor the unit.

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