Florida’s initial depth chart shows one alteration along the offensive line.
Throughout the winter, the offensive line for Florida Football was rumored to be far from finalized. After a 2024 spring game that looked better than the unit’s performance in 2023, most were left guessing and speculating about who will make up the unit before of the season opening against Miami.
With the opener finally here, Florida’s initial depth chart shows that at least one important alteration is occurring along the unit following the conclusion of fall camp.
Throughout the offseason, the anticipated starting offensive line for the Gators included Austin Barber, Knijeah Harris, Jake Slaughter, Damieon George Jr., and Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson. However, ongoing reports indicated that George Jr. and Crenshaw-Dickson might not have secured their starting positions.
On Florida’s initial depth chart, George Jr. is listed as the starting right guard, transitioning from his previous role at right tackle. Kamryn Waites, not Crenshaw-Dickson, has been named the starting right tackle.
This development is significant for several reasons:
1. Transfers: Florida acquired Crenshaw-Dickson and Devon Manuel from the transfer portal, yet both are listed as backups.
2. Waites’ Profile: Waites, who is 6’8″ and 343 pounds, is a physically impressive right tackle but has had limited college playing time.
3. Injury History: Waites suffered an Achilles injury during last year’s offseason. Although he played in games against Vanderbilt, Georgia, Arkansas, and LSU, he started against Missouri and FSU, struggling with sacks and pressures in both games.
In comparison, Manuel played 417 snaps last season, allowing eight pressures, four hurries, and four sacks. Crenshaw-Dickson, from the Mountain West, had 664 snaps with ten pressures, six hurries, and three sacks. Manuel allowed only one more pressure than Waites despite playing double the snaps.
If Waites is fully recovered and has earned his starting position through improved performance, it could be a positive sign. However, if Crenshaw-Dickson and Manuel did not meet expectations, leading to Waites’ selection, it suggests a different issue.
With Miami’s strong defensive ends approaching, Saturday’s game will be a critical test for Waites. His performance will be crucial for Graham Mertz, especially given Miami’s weaker secondary on paper.
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