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Florida Football: Five Gators in need of a watershed moment in 2023

By Benjamin Henderson

Florida Gators quarterback Jack Miller III (10) throws the ball during fall football practice at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, August 5, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
Florida Gators quarterback Jack Miller III (10) throws the ball during fall football practice at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, August 5, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun] /
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Florida football
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 13: Ja’Quavion Fraziars #0 of the Florida Gators looks on during the second quarter of a game against the Samford Bulldogs at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

Ja’Quavion Fraziars

As part of Florida’s top ten recruiting class in 2020, Ja’Quavion Fraziars was supposed to be a solid 1-2 punch with fellow four-star receiver Xzavier Henderson. The latter of that duo is gone, and Fraziars has yet to break out during his three years in Gainesville.

He had a great catch in the second half against Texas A&M last season, only to wind up with an injured shoulder that kept him out going forward.

Heading into 2023, Fraziers has appeared in 30 games with just 11 career catches for 99 yards and three touchdowns.

Given the lack of returning depth at the receiver position, Fraziers is going to have more than a fair shot to showcase what he can do.

But with three talented freshmen also vying for playing time, combined with a straight-up track team of receivers arriving next season, this is probably the sink-or-swim season for Fraziers.

Florida football
Florida Gators cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson (2), Florida Gators safety Jordan Castell (14), Florida Gators outside linebacker Jack Pyburn (44), Florida Gators inside linebacker Deuce Spurlock II (22), and Florida Gators safety Ja’Markis Weston (82) wait for the kickoff during the second half during the Florida Gators Orange and Blue Spring Game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, April 13, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]Ncaa Football Florida Gators Orange Blue Spring Game /

Jack Pyburn

Only a true sophomore after spending last season on special teams, it may seem weird to say that Jack Pyburn is at a sink-or-swim moment. While he wasn’t the highest-regarded prospect coming out of high school, Rivals still rated him as a four-star, and 247 had him as a top-40 defensive end in the class of 2022.

We have mentioned this before, but if you haven’t checked out his Hudl film from his senior year of high school, you should do yourself a favor and go watch it.

With Princely Umanmielen and Justus Boone as the only other returning EDGE players, Pyburn is going to get a chance.

But he also has to contend with freshmen T.J. Searcy, Kamran James, and Kelby Collins this year.

Then five-star defensive end Jamonta Waller arrives next year along with Amaris Williams and Nasir Johnson.

It’s going to become a crowded room quickly.

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