Preseason depth chart prediction on offense for Florida Football ahead of opener

Ahead of the season opener for Florida Football, some position groups feel locked in stone while others feel like they are still up in the air before the Gators take the field for real against Miami.

So, based upon various reports and our gut instincts, the following is what we predict Billy Napier is going to trot out on the field on August 31 as his starters and his backups.

Quarterback

Starter:

Graham Mertz

Backup:

DJ Lagway

No real debate here, as Mertz is the entrenched starter returning for his super senior season. We had wondered out loud prior to training camp if Clay Millen would actually sneak his way into being the backup just because of experience, but Lagway has been taking all the second team reps during camp, and Millen appears to just be a "pull in case of emergency" option.

Running Back:

Starters:

Treyaun Webb

Jadan Baugh

Backups:

Ja'Kobi Jackson

KD Daniels

While Montrell Johnson is up and moving around after his knee surgery, it is impossible to tell if he will be ready in time for Miami. It feels safe to anoint Treyaun Webb and Jadan Baugh as the two main backs for Miami.

The real question is if Napier will employ a third running back. Freshman KD Daniels seemingly had the inside track for that spot heading into camp, but Ja'Kobi Jackson keeps having his name pop up in camp.

There was also a Cam Carroll sighting at Saturday's scrimmage, so it's not outside the realm of possibility he sneaks his way in.

Wide Receivers:

Starters:

Tre Wilson

Elijhah Badger

Chimere Dike

Backups:

Kahleil Jackson

Aidan Mizell

Tank Hawkins

This is a group that also has a bit of mystery to it. Most would have guessed that Tre Wilson, Elijhah Badger, and Chimere Dike would be the three main receivers for Florida with the battle to be a backup being the harder situation to sort out.

But Jackson was with the first team during Florida's scrimmage on Saturday. It feels like it would be a let down if Dike of Badger were listed as backups when they have to play for real, so for now we are going to keep them as starters.

Aidan Mizell also had a featured role with the second team, so his spot as a main backup does feel safe. Tank Hawkins has had his name pop up too many times during camp not to get at least a play or two against Miami.

Tight Ends:

Starters:

Arlis Boardingham

Hayden Hansen

Backups:

Tony Livingston

Amir Jackson

There is not much to work with in this group in terms of plug-and-play options. Hayden Hansen didn't have an amazing 2023 season, so don't be surprised if his snaps get split. Amir Jackson has been getting positive reports from camp, but it is hard to see him taking snaps from Arlis Boardingham just yet.

Offensive Line:

Starters:

Austin Barber

Knijeah Harris

Jake Slaughter

Roderick Kearney

Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson

Backups:

- Devon Manuel

- Caden Jones

- Bryce Lovett

- Damieon George

- Kamryn Waites

This group has been shrouded in uncertainty all camp long. Damieon George has been working in the starting unit all offseason as he tries to transition from tackle to guard. And if we had to bet on the money line, George is the safer bet to take a starting role against Miami.

But the word coming from camp hasn't been one of positivity about the offensive line, and George and Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson have been called into question.

Meanwhile, Roderick Kearney keeps having his name pop up as an option at guard, and Kamryn Waites is starting to pop up as an option at tackle. We have a feeling Kearney is going to sneak his way into the lineup before all is said and done.