More than two dozen Florida Gators making debut in spring game

The 2023 Florida Gators football team will take the field for its spring game Thursday at The Swamp (7:30 p.m. on SEC Network+). The Orange & Blue debut will give fans an early look at the squad, but there are 25 players in particular who will be making their first public impressions.

The Gators have nine transfers and 16 freshmen expected to play (two newcomers are injured). Here’s a rundown of those players.

RELATED: Five storylines to watch in the Florida Gators spring game

TRANSFERS

Note: Baylor transfer Micah Mazzccua will miss the game after undergoing surgery in camp.

DL Caleb Banks

Measurables: 6-foot-6, 315 pounds

Jersey number: No. 88

Former stop: Played two seasons at Louisville and redshirted his freshman year. Appeared in seven total games and totaled two tackles with a sack and TFL. Will have three years of eligibility at Florida.

Quotable: ““Tremendous athlete. I mean, he’s 6-foot-6. I think he’s over 300 pounds, he can bend, he can touch the ground easy. He’s a basketball player. He’s a natural athlete. He’s exciting to watch right now. He moves like a little guy.” — Gators co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Sean Spencer

RB Cameron Carroll

Measurables: 6-foot, 228 pounds

Jersey number: No. 27

Former stop: Played in 40 career games at Tulane with 10 starts. Totaled career numbers of 1,638 rushing yards, 19 rushing touchdowns and an average of 5.3 yards per rush, along with 23 receptions for 247 yards and five scores.

Quotable: “He’s got athletic ability, can move around well. Smart. He’s been playing football for half a decade. So, he understands the game. He’s just got to try to get the two terminologies across in his head right now. So, he’s got to get that out of the way, just focus on what we’re doing and he should be able to help us somewhere down the line.” — Gators running backs coach Jabbar Juluke

OL Damieon George Jr.

Measurables: 6-foot-6, 369 pounds

Jersey number: No. 76

Former stop: Played in 17 games at Alabama and started at right tackle in the final three regular-season games of the 2021 season. Will have three years of eligibility at Florida.

Quotable: “He’ll stay outside for us. We’ve got inside guys, but right now obviously we’ve signed him for a tackle, and we need depth there also as well, so he’ll stay out there.” — Gators offensive coordinator Rob Sale

OL Kiyaunta Goodwin

Measurables: 6-foot-8, 353 pounds

Jersey number: No. 78

Former stop: Spent freshman year at Kentucky and played in 11 games in 2022. Ranked a five-star recruit by 247sports in the Class of 2022.

Quotable: “His length and size, it’s hard to find those guys. You gotta get them. Everybody’s working hard in recruiting to get them, to get them on your team, especially guys like him, so he’s long. He’s played left, he can play right, so it’s good to have guys like that. That’s what we need to get, more of them.” — Gators offensive coordinator Rob Sale

DL Cam’Ron Jackson

Measurables: 6-foot-6, 355 pounds

Jersey number: No. 99

Former stop: Appeared in 34 games at Memphis, including every game in back-to-back seasons. Started all 13 games at NT last year and totaled 51 tackles, five sacks, four quarterback hurries and 2.5 TFLs.

Quotable: “He can move. He’s very, very limber, I mean he can move. He’s got great balance, strong at the point of attack. For a guy that’s (almost) 6-foot-7, he can move. He’s pretty impressive.” — Gators co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Sean Spencer

QB Graham Mertz

Measurables: 6-foot-3, 214 pounds

Jersey number: No. 15

Former stop: A three-year starter at Wisconsin who made 32 starts and 34 appearances. Career totals of 5,405 passing yards, 38 passing touchdowns, 26 interceptions and eight rushing scores. Completed 164 of 286 pass attempts (57.3 percent) for 2,136 yards, 19 touchdowns and 10 INTs last season.

Quotable: “I think Graham’s been impressive. He’s an experienced player, you know, he’s comfortable. He’s started 32 games at a really established program with high expectations. And there’s no price you can put on that, you know. And I will tell you that his approach since the first day he’s been here is what you would want from a quarterback. You know, it’s almost as if you’re acquiring a free agent in the National Football League that’s an experienced, veteran player, he’s learning the new system. His approach has been what you would want.” — Gators coach Billy Napier

LB Teradja Mitchell

Measurables: 6-foot-2, 243 pounds

Jersey number: No. 20

Former stop: Played in 43 total games and notched eight starts at Ohio State. Had 45 total tackles, including 4.5 TFLs, as a team captain in 2021. Totaled 64 career tackles and 8.5 TFLs.

Quotable: “I think one of Teradja’s strengths is he is intelligent. I think he has experience as a player. He’s played for multiple coordinators in his career so he’s learning a new system. That’s nothing new for him but I do think that translates. He’s articulate, he’s very well spoken, and he does a great job communicating.” — Gators coach Billy Napier

LB Mannie Nunnery

Measurables: 6-foot-1, 227 pounds

Jersey number: No. 34

Former stop: Played in 34 career games at Houston with eight starts. Totaled 75 tackles (45 solo), 3.0 TFLs, three blocks and two pass breakups. Finished fifth on the team in tackles with 46 last season. Blocked two punts and three kicks in 2021 to earn the National Special Teams Player of the Year Award.

Quotable: ““I think we got really really lucky with Manny Nunnery, who transferred in from Houston. He is a super athlete and a really really bright football player. Coach Belk did a great job with him. So there’s a kid who can run, understands coverages and can play a lot of different positions. I’ve been really impressed with him.” — Gators inside linebackers coach Jay Bateman

LB Duece Spurlock II

Measurables: 6-foot-0.5, 225 pounds

Jersey number: No. 22

Former stop: Appeared in two games and redshirted at Michigan last season. Recorded three tackles vs. Hawaii. Will have four years of eligibility remaining at Florida.

Quotable: “Deuce Spurlock is a guy that we tried to recruit a year ago. We had a really good relationship with him and his family early on in the recruiting process, going all the way back to Louisiana. 6-foot ½, 225 pounds, really athletic player. Four years to play.” — Gators coach Billy Napier

FRESHMEN

Note: Cornerback Aaron Gates has been non-contact for all of camp and is not expected to play.

EDGE Kelby Collins

Measurables: 6-foot-4, 277 pounds

Jersey number: No. 11

Industry ranking: No. 6 defensive lineman, No. 45 overall recruit

Quotable: “He’s a football player. He’s an aggressive guy. He don’t say too much. But lately he’s been kind of speaking up. Two, three years from now, you’re looking at probably one of the team captains. He has that kind of demeanor about him. One of those quiet guys who don’t say a lot but when he says something, everybody’s gonna turn to head.” — Gators EDGE coach Mike Peterson

DB Jordan Castell

Measurables: 6-foot-2, 205 pounds

Jersey number: No. 14

Industry ranking: No. 17 safety, No. 235 overall recruit

Quotable: “Jordan Castell is a 6’2″, 200-pound player that plays corner, but I think is going to start in the safety room. I thought he really improved as a tackler as a senior. We had him in camp, the height, the length. He can cover. You go in that school; he is the guy. The principal, the teachers, the counselors, his mom is an unbelievable person, obviously a great story. Just a tough dynamic with his dad and all that happened, but just really a guy that I think is unique, just love to be around him. I thought he had a great senior year, and to be 6’2″, 205 and move around like he does, I think is a big deal.” — Gators coach Billy Napier

DB Sharif Denson

Measurables: 5-foot-11, 184 pounds

Jersey number: No. 0

Industry ranking: No. 31 cornerback, No. 255 overall prospect

Quotable: “When you go around the area and you visit different high schools, every coach talks about Sharif Denson and the competitor he is. He’s a matchup player. He can play corner. He can play star. He is a competitor. We had a chance to observe him in the seven-on-seven competition. Obviously, both of his parents being University of Florida folks, just cares about the place, and I think a very smart player that comes from a great culture there at Bartram Trail, he’s going to bring a lot to our team. Mature and ready to go.” — Gators coach Billy Napier

OL Knijeah Harris

Measurables: 6-foot-3, 322 pounds

Jersey number: No. 77

Industry ranking: No. 73 interior lineman, No. 771 overall prospect

Quotable: “Knijeah has been doing a really good job. And I don’t want to shout out the school he went to, but I think they did a really good job of developing him. The game has slowed down for him, which is the biggest thing for a high school guy coming to the college ranks, especially the SEC, to have the game slow down for them mentally and physically. And we’re excited about it. He’s excited to get the opportunity to show that he belongs and we’re just gonna keep giving him more, keep pushing him. It’s about creating competition in that room.” — Gators offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton

CB Ja’Keem Jackson

Measurables: 6-foot-1, 183 pounds

Jersey number: No. 2

Industry ranking: No. 6 cornerback, No. 55 overall prospect

Quotable: “He’s coming along really good. He’s going to be real good. He has a chance to be special, we just got to keep him going, keep him understanding what we want, the details of playing the position. At the end of the day, it’s about your athleticism but there’s a lot of details in the position that you have to learn and it’s going to be changing every play. Things change and you have to be able to change quick, so you got to be a critical thinker. That’s what he’s starting to learn: how to become a critical thinker.” — Gators secondary coach Corey Raymond

EDGE Kamran James

Measurables: 6-foot-6, 268 pounds

Jersey number: No. 24

Industry ranking: No. 16 defensive lineman, No. 147 overall prospect

Quotable: “I do think Kamran James is one of the more impressive athletes in the class … a former basketball player turned football. I think he has a high ceiling and really can’t compliment that family enough. Their approach to recruiting, just about all the right things. Just really enjoyed getting to know him and his family. Excited about Kamran being midyear. I just think his upside is tremendous.” — Gators coach Billy Napier

WR Andy Jean

Measurables: 6-foot-1, 195 pounds

Jersey number: No. 6

Industry ranking: No. 61 wide receiver, No. 395 overall prospect

Quotable: “He’s a good ballplayer. Gator fans should be excited about him. He came in right away, and the first thing I noticed is he’s really polished. I can tell he’s been coached by a lot of good coaches, and he’s already so polished at a young age, so he’s got a big future.” — Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall

OL Roderick Kearney

Measurables: 6-foot-4, 280 pounds

Jersey number: No. 71

Industry ranking: No. 6 interior lineman, No. 122 overall prospect

Quotable: “If you want to turn film on and say, ‘Okay, who’s got the best tape?’ I would argue Roderick Kearney’s film is some of the most impressive tape of any offensive lineman in the country. This guy’s a really unique player. He’s driven. He’s focused. He’s got discipline. He’s always doing the extra, very bright. He’s got an edge about him. His mama’s a phenomenal lady. Just a great family there. Really enjoyed them.” — Gators coach Billy Napier

TE Tony Livingston

Measurables: 6-foot-5, 240 pounds

Jersey number: No. 86

Industry ranking: No. 20 tight end, No. 431 overall prospect (2022)

Quotable: “He’s a fantastic basketball player, unique dimensions. This guy is 6’4″ and three quarters, and he’s got 11-inch hands. That’s very unique. He’s extremely long, and he’s got a big frame. … I think he’ll be a good player here. If you watch the basketball footage, they had ground-level footage of when he came to camp here that we were able to watch. Then he comes in the door, you’re digging into his story, we had a gut feeling that he’s what we’re looking for, and we’re extremely excited about his potential.” — Gators coach Billy Napier

OL Bryce Lovett

Measurables: 6-foot-5, 311 pounds

Jersey number: No. 53

Industry ranking: No. 64 interior lineman, No. 677 overall prospect

Quotable: “Bryce is very young for his age. Probably should be a junior. Still very much growing. I thought his senior film is really impressive. Certainly, he’s a guy who gets in the program and grows a bit, I think he’s got a bright future in front of him.” — Billy Napier

WR Aidan Mizell

Measurables: 6-foot-1.5, 170 pounds

Jersey number: No. 11

Industry ranking: No. 19 wide receiver, No. 100 overall prospect

Quotable: “Aidan is fastest on the team. The last month of Identity (phase), we’re out there running our 40s and, like, Aidan’s just [claps] right by. Everybody’s like, ‘Oooh! Aidan’s running, Aidan’s running.’” — Gators wide receiver Caleb Douglas

DL Will Norman

Measurables: 6-foot-4, 282 pounds

Jersey number: No. 9

Industry ranking: No. 25 defensive lineman, No. 210 overall prospect

Quotable: “Will’s a great athlete. Another guy that transferred over from playing basketball and really young to the game of football. At the time he was one of the better basketball players in like eighth and ninth grade and then morphed over to football. He’s really ascending right now. He’s still figuring it out.The freshmen anticipation of a guy coming out and playing right away is tough. It’s just tough. You’ve got grown men out there. He wants to be good. He’s smart. He wants to be good. He works hard and he’s got a great attitude.” — Gators co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Sean Spencer

ILB Jaden Robinson

Measurables: 6-foot, 227 pounds

Jersey number: No. 29

Industry ranking: No. 40 linebacker, No. 426 overall prospect

Quotable: “I think Jaden’s been doing a really good job picking up things slowly, and just kind of being attentive with details. For him to play Will a little bit on the outside, I feel like he’s more comfortable there. Especially when you’re able to have guys like me and Teradja and Scooby help them line up a little bit. Since he just got here, that helps him a lot, and just be able to kind of play in space.” — Gators linebacker Derek Wingo

EDGE T.J. Searcy

Measurables: 6-foot-5, 245 pounds

Jersey number: No. 19

Industry ranking: No. 23 EDGE, No. 237 overall prospect

Quotable: “I’ve know TJ and his little brothers a long, long time. So it was it was exciting to get him here. I’m coaching him hard right now. He’s probably a little bit angry with me. But I coach them hard. I try to be really demanding of the guys, but they accept it and usually when they get a little older, it all makes sense to him.” — Gators EDGE coach Mike Peterson

DB Bryce Thornton

Measurables: 5-foot-10, 203 pounds

Jersey number: No. 18

Industry ranking: No. 47 safety, No. 464 overall prospect

Quotable: “Bryce Thornton, if you want to just go watch a highlight tape, go watch his highlight tape. This guy, he’s 5’10”, 200 pounds, big features. His mother was an athlete, basketball family. You go in this guy’s school, everybody loves Bryce. He’s got an unbelievable smile, just brings great energy. Played through some injuries, tough. And another player that comes from a great culture, where they’ve won, they overachieve. The coaching staff there, to get what they got out of their team this year, they lost a ton of players. Very, very impressed with Bryce, not only his production as a player, but just his demeanor, and he’s another early enrollee.” — Gators coach Billy Napier

RB Treyaun Webb

Measurables: 5-foot-11.25, 200 pounds

Jersey number: No. 20

Industry ranking: No. 23 running back, No. 351 overall prospect

Quotable: “Treyaun, to me, what stands out about Treyaun is the instincts, the vision. At running back oftentimes I think it’s about production, and he’s been running the ball for a long time. He’s kind of a legend there in Duval. Coming up, he’s always been a guy to put that ball under his arm. He produces. I was pleased with how physical he played. He’s a tough guy. He’s played through some injuries in the past. He’s been a part of a winning program. I think you can never overlook that. And a guy that I think has got a little bit of an edge to him. He catches the ball well. Couldn’t be more excited about Treyaun. He’ll be here early as well.” — Gators coach Billy Napier