You may be excited that, in a few lines, you are getting a look at the Florida Gators 2011 spring practice depth chart. Don’t be. Near the middle of his press conference on Monday, new head coach Will Muschamp referred to it as “weak” and not worth the paper it was printed on. In other words, it is just a starting-off point and plenty can change between now and the end of spring, the start of summer, the beginning of fall or when the season starts. Nevertheless, below is the depth chart as it was presented.
Florida omitted players who are injured or limited and not participating in spring practice. A list of those players can be found at the end along with some additional explanations.
QB: John Brantley, Tyler Murphy/Jeff Driskel
HB: Chris Rainey, Mike Gillislee/Mack Brown
X-WR: Frankie Hammond, Stephen Alli/Quinton Dunbar
Z-WR: Omarius Hines, Andre Debose
TE: Jordan Reed, A.C. Leonard
F-21: Trey Burton
*In with two halfbacks and one tight end
F-11: Deonte Thompson, Solomon Patton/Robert Clark
*In with one halfback and one tight end
F-12: Michael McFarland, Josh Postell
*In with one halfback and two tight ends
[EXPAND Click to expand the remainder of Florida’s 2011 spring depth chart.]LT: Chaz Green, Kyle Koehne
LG: Jonotthan Harrison, Cole Gilliam
C: Sam Robey, Nick Alajajian
RG: Jon Halapio, William Steinmann
RT: Xavier Nixon, Ian Silberman
DT: Sharrif Floyd, Earl Okine
DT: Dominique Easley, Leon Orr
DE: William Green, Chris Martin/Clay Burton
Buck DE: Ronald Powell, Lerentee McCray/Lynden Trail
SLB: Gerald Christian, Gideon Ajagbe
MLB: Jon Bostic, Michael Taylor
WLB: Jelani Jenkins, Dee Finley/Darrin Kitchens
CB: Moses Jenkins, De’Ante Saunders
CB: Jeremy Brown, Cody Riggs
SS: Matt Elam, Josh Shaw
FS: Josh Evans, Tim Clark
Nickel: Elam, Riggs/Saunders
KR: Andre Debose, Solomon Patton
PR: Chris Rainey, Frankie Hammond, Jrl.
K: Caleb Sturgis, Brad Phillips
P: Kyle Christy, Dave Lerner
LS: Christopher Guido, Drew Ferris
NOTES: Muschamp said Christian has moved to linebacker but will still see offensive work at tight end and fullback. He added that Reed is a “full-time tight end,” Burton will remain at the F position and not play defense, and Orr is officially back to defensive tackle. Sturgis will be limited most of the spring but will “eventually be a full-go.”
F POSITION: Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis explained that, rather than release a standard depth chart, the Gators wanted to make it look more realistic. The F position is one that changes depending on the other personnel on the field. The first number refers to the halfbacks in the formation, while the second number corresponds to how many tight ends are on the field. (Ex. 21 = two halfbacks, one tight end). The student-athlete listed at the F position is the other playmaker on the field aside from the starting halfback/tight end and two starting wide receivers.
BUCK POSITION: Players listed at “buck” are more commonly referred to as hybrid defensive ends/linebackers. Examples Muschamp gave of players he’s coached include Jason Taylor, Calvin Pace and Sergio Kindle. Powell, for example, would play defensive end in a 4-3 formation and linebacker in a 3-4. Both Muschamp and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn indicated principles of the 3-4 would be present.
OUT FOR SPRING: CB Janoris Jenkins (shoulder), RB Mike Blakely (shoulder), Neiron Ball (head), Jeff Demps (track)
LIMITED FOR SPRING: OT Matt Patchan, OG James Wilson, OL David Young, DT Jaye Howard, DT Omar Hunter, CB Jaylen Watkins[/EXPAND]
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