By tapping into a unique schematic departure and strategic coaching hires, Florida head coach Jon Sumrall looks to catch the SEC off guard while rebuilding the Gators’ roster through recruiting.
Florida head coach Jon Sumrall wants to win as fast as he can.
The Gators want to make a bowl game this season, though Sumrall knows he's a ways away from competing for the College Football Playoff. UF will need new lifeblood brought into the roster via recruiting.
The Gators play a daunting nine-game SEC schedule this fall, which could make winning eight or nine games more difficult for Sumrall than it would have been in the past.
An anonymous SEC coach told Athlon that Sumrall made a wise hire in bringing offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner from Georgia Tech to Florida. His offense will be a change of pace in the conference, and could make it hard for them to prepare to defend Florida on a host turnaround.
“Hiring (offensive coordinator) Buster Faulkner was a home-run move," the coach said. "Then getting (Aaron) Philo to come with him, and getting (Auburn wide receiver transfer) Eric Singleton, too.
“Faulkner can coach offensive football. It is such a departure from what anybody in the SEC does offensively, and they’re gonna have a couple games where they have an advantage because everything is so new schematically.”
Florida will bring a strong power-running game to the SEC. Potential 2027 first-round pick and running back Jadan Baugh should be set up for success in the offense.
While Sumrall has a good staff in place, there are questions about what the former Tulane head coach inherited at quarterback and offensive line.
“(Jon Sumrall) has hired extremely well," the coach said. "It feels like they’ve really opened up the checkbook.”
“The question marks would still be along the offensive line and quarterback. They got (Aaron Philo) from Georgia Tech, who knows the system, but in this league, it’s about making critical throws on third down and in the red zone, and that’s yet to be seen.”
It's not certain that Philo will win the starting job, though Faulkner has confidence in the former GT quarterback. Tramell Jones Jr. had a strong showing at the Orange & Blue game this spring, and could run away with the position during training camp this summer.
