Depth Prevalent Along Gators OL

While the five have the right combination of talent and experience, Florida has revamped its offensive line room behind the starters.

“I think we need to continue to develop depth behind them,” Napier said. 

This is where the likes of Caden Jones, Fletcher Westphal, Roderick Kearney and Jason Zandamela-Popa factor in. 

“I feel good about both. I think that I still want a little bit more consistency from both,” Napier said of Jones and Westphal. “I think that they're playing against really good competitive depth over there in the other side, so they're getting tested every day, especially in pass protection. But I think they both are have improved since last year, and I think they're on schedule to be players who can play winning football.”

Kearney, despite limited action, had impressive outings on the field, too. He played in seven games last year after not playing at all as a true freshman. Across his seven appearances, he received an offensive grade of 80.0, a pass block grade of 85.3 and a run block grade of 79.0 from PFF.

This work from Kearney, who cross-trains at multiple spots along the offensive line, will motivate the individuals in front of him to work harder as well.

“I love Rod, Rod, he holds me to a higher standard just knowing that he’s behind me, and I know everything, I’ve got to me at my best because he’s a guy who can go play right now,” George Jr. said.

Zandamela-Popa is going into his second year with the Gators after transferring from USC in the spring of 2024. He redshirted last season but has impressed his coaches and teammates as he continues to develop at center behind Slaughter and Kearney. 

“He’s awesome. He asks great questions, and he wants to get better,” Slaughter said. 

Being two-deep across the offensive line will be a big factor in how the Gators perform this season. Injuries are bound to happen, especially in the SEC. Having guys that the team can instantly pivot to when injuries come to fruition will only soften the blow.

None of this talk will matter, though, if the players don’t continue to show the work throughout practice and into the regular season.  

“I think the sky is the limit for us, but we've got to go work every day,” George Jr. said. “ We can all talk about it, but if we're not showing it every day in practice, or in the weight room, in the meetings, then all the talk is just for nothing."

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