Gators have played more freshmen than any FBS team in 2023
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Billy Napier has been saying it since SEC Media Days. During an interview on radio row, the Gators’ second-year coach touted the incoming freshmen on his roster and how much they would contribute in 2023.
“I think we have a lot of players that are very capable of making an impact at this level. I don’t think people know quite what I know yet,” Napier said.
“We’re gonna have some young ones out there playing, safety in particular. The second player at a lot of spots could be a true freshmen.”
Napier wasn’t blowing smoke. On Florida’s latest depth chart, three rookies are listed as starters and five freshmen are backups.
The Gators have played 11 freshmen in every game this season, higher than any FBS team. That’s four more than the second-largest total by Clemson and LSU (7). Texas A&M has played six freshmen in every game so far.
Safety Jordan Castell, EDGE Kelby Collins, defensive back Sharif Denson, offensive lineman Knijean Harris, cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson, EDGE Kamran James, cornerback Dijon Johnson, linebacker Jaden Robinson, EDGE T.J. Searcy, safety Bryce Thornton and running back Treyaun Webb have played in all six games.
Castell has started every contest since Week 2, while Harris and Thornton made their career starts against Charlotte and Vanderbilt, respectively. In addition to Castell and Thornton, Jackson has also played a lot in the secondary.
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“Those guys got here in January, and I do think that because they are smart and mature and really work hard at it, and they come from good backgrounds. They were a little bit more prepared,” Napier said of Castell, Thornton and Jackson. “Bryce comes from a really good program, and certainly Jordan has been working as a secondary player for a long time. I think they transition well.
“Jackson has earned snaps, and he’s had some really good days, good plays and he’s made some mistakes along the way. So, he continues to get better. He showed some toughness and some resiliency by overcoming some of those things. I do think that all those guys are very capable players. And nowadays you’ve got to be able to get a young player ready to go at about every position, truthfully, now.”
The 11 Gators freshmen who’ve played in every game does not include starting receiver Eugene Wilson III, who missed two weeks with a collarbone injury. Freshman receiver Andy Jean has also appeared in four games, but he’s out Saturday at South Carolina.
Wilson is second on the team with 20 catches for 168 yards and a touchdown.
“Trey’s a guy you have to be intentional about, making sure he has an opportunity to impact the game every week. And Trey has got unique acceleration. He’s quick. He’s tough to tackle. He’s got some play strengths,” Napier said. “As a young player, can you keep your humility, can you keep your practice habits, your approach?
“I do think that’s part of our team that I’m excited about. I think we do have a group of young players that are getting comfortable on game day but they’re also getting comfortable what the week looks like and how to prepare and be ready to be at your best for the team.”
