Jon Sumrall’s squad transformed through grueling summer lifts, turning body fat into muscle to fortify an offensive line tasked with anchoring the Gators’ high-stakes SEC campaign.
Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall wanted to see his players improve from the time spring football stopped and training camp started.
The offensive line was a concern for Sumrall during spring football. The Gators are replacing three starting offensive linemen, and the new head coach wanted to see those players make significant strides before getting ready to play a nine-game SEC schedule.
When speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Sumrall said the team as a whole improved nearly 14,000 pounds from their four main lifts: power clean, bench, squat, and deadlift.
He noted the offensive line has worked hard to develop in the weight room this summer.
"The offensive line has made significant gains in the weight room," Sumrall said, via USA Today. "That was needed. I didn't hide from that. Still haven't hidden from it.
"Are we fully developed and have we arrived at any stopping point? No, we never will. But I am very grateful for the work the guys have put in."
Sumrall noted that the weight room will help the offensive line be more athletic and efficient. Offensive linemen who are quick on their feet can better move defensive linemen.
Sumrall noticed his offensive line has converted body fat into muscle, and it's making his players feel more confident heading into training camp.
"And so (Desmond) Green, Bryce Lovett, all these guys, Caden Jones, all those guys, they're body comps," Sumrall said. "That offensive line, body comp — the charts you can see on weight gain, that's been muscle mass and weight loss of fat. It's so impressive.
"You know, I was walking in the indoor, a few, a couple of weeks ago, and Bryce Lovett was in there doing some drills on his own with his shirt off. Bryce Lovett, seven months ago, wouldn't have taken his shirt off... and now he's like, 'I'm feeling pretty good about myself.'"
Florida needs its offensive line to be athletic, especially for the running game this season. With Jadan Baugh in the backfield, the Gators need the offensive line to make quick movements to open lanes for the star running back.
Sumrall knows games won't be won or lost by just physique alone, but his players are putting in work that will be noticeable from last season.
