As the Gators hunt for a Week 1 starter, Tramell Jones Jr. gains momentum after a stellar spring scrimmage and high marks for his physical tools.
Florida has some off time off before training camp this summer after 15 practices in the spring.
The Gators had a lot to sort out in the spring, figuring out the offensive line and trying to find a quarterback to replace DJ Lagway, who transferred to Baylor in the offseason.
Aaron Philo transferred from Georgia Tech to remain with new Gators offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. He was expected to have the advantage in the quarterback battle going against Tramell Jones Jr. this spring.
Jones had the better performance in the final spring scrimmage, but head coach Jon Sumrall isn't ready to name a starter just yet.
During an interview on First Coast News, Sumrall praised Jones for how he developed during the spring.
"Really good talent. His energy is good," Sumrall said. I think learning how to be consistent day in, day out, like his highs were really, really impressive this spring. And it’s funny, I was with him this morning. I said, ‘Hey, remember that where we talked about urgency detail all the time?’
"Because if he can find that groove and rhythm of being his best every day, man, what a bright future he’s got. And really liked working with him day in, day out, great young man, fun to be around."
Sumrall believes Jones will only get better this summer. He's eager to take advice from the coaching staff to better his game.
"Good personality, good teammate, and has the physical tools so excited that he’s our football team and really can’t wait to watch him continue to take steps forward," Sumrall said.
"I think in our exit meeting that we had right after the spring game, I think he was very intentional about receiving that feedback and applying it.”
The Gators will have a big decision to make at quarterback this summer. Faulkner should be more familiar with the offensive scheme, but he might not be as consistent with his play in the field.
Jones took care of the ball during spring practice. If he can push the ball downfield in camp, he could be the starter in Week 1 against Florida Atlantic.