Aaron Philo is named one of the top transfers but will he be Florida's Week 1 starter?

Will Aaron Philo be the transfer that gives a necessary boost to the Florida Gators offense this year, or will he be watching from the sidelines?

CBS Sports' Chris Hummer compiled a list of the most important transfer players for the spring top-25 teams and Philo was the choice for the No. 25 Gators. The Georgia Tech transfer quarterback has been in a competition with Tramell Jones Jr. for the starting spot and while Hummer suggests that Philo has the nod, the position battle will extend into training camp.

Hummer writes: "The redshirt sophomore played well in flashes at Georgia Tech the last two seasons, and he is very familiar with OC Buster Faulkner's offense, having played for him in Atlanta. Florida believes it got a steal with Philo in the portal. If he emerges as an above-average triggerman for the Gators, they could end up in the mix for a playoff spot."

CBS Sports lists QB Aaron Philo as one of the most important transfers in college football

When Philo transferred to Florida from Georgia Tech, it was assumed he was going to be the starting quarterback this season. It made perfect sense to feel that way because he was joining new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner and knew the system like the back of his hand. Philo didn't play a ton at Georgia Tech, but when he did the results were very promising. However, nothing is guaranteed in Jon Sumrall's program and the spring competition with Tramell Jones Jr. excited the coaches with his preparation and potential enough to where it will carry into the fall.

READ MORE: Jon Sumrall hyping up Tramell Jones only adds more intrigue to Florida's QB1 battle

I would expect Sumrall and Faulkner to make a determination on the starter in the first few days of camp. It just isn't a smart move to have questions at the most important position on the field coming into the season. My belief is that if the competition is even, Philo will probably get the nod based on his familiarity with the offense and Faulkner's general comfort in him. The big question with Philo is going to be his ability to push the ball down the field. It's no secret that the key to the offense is going to be running back Jadan Baugh, but the top-four wide receivers, Dallas Wilson, Eric Singleton, Micah Mays Jr.  and Vernell Brown III are as good as any in the conference and if the quarterback can't take the top off opposing defenses, the group will be limited in their effectiveness. 

There's still a full summer of workouts and a training camp to go, so we'll see if Philo's deep-ball can get where Faulkner wants it to be. That's not a concern for Jones, who has the physical arm talent to make all the throws. Either this competition will push Philo to the level that writers like Hummer expect him to reach or Philo's presence will have lit the fire under Jones to take his game to the next level. Either way, it should be a win-win for the Gators. 

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