Florida Football: Four Gators with plenty to prove to close out 2023
![Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) makes a one-handed catch for a first down during the first half against the Charlotte 49ers at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 23, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Ff4b90fcf32dd1032674a393704db6edb0dc622f92a32009811f1b1928622a179.jpg "Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) makes a one-handed catch for a first down during the first half against the Charlotte 49ers at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 23, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]")
Florida Football Keep Grinding: Damieon George
- Main Motivation – Solidify spot for 2024
Even though the Gators had to replace multiple slots along the offensive line coming into 2023, it still felt like it would be a unit of strength for Florida football.
Billy Napier went deep into the transfer portal to beef up the unit, and Damieon George was one of the guys who seemed like a great find.
The junior, initially from the University of Alabama, has the size to be a great tackle.
Unfortunately, he just doesn’t have the quickness and has been suspectable all year to getting beat on the outside.
George is marginally better than Gator fans give him credit for. Of 29 starting tackles in the SEC, George is rated 19th in pass blocking and 7th in run blocking by PFF.
There is no immediate threat to replace George in 2024, but one never knows what will pop up in the transfer portal or if the Gators will gain the services of five-star prospect Jordan Seaton.