Florida head coach Jon Sumrall highlights emerging running backs and receiver depth, fueling optimism for the Gators' revamped offense under new leadership.
Florida head coach Jon Sumrall has 15 practices this spring to lay the groundwork for his new team before the start of training camp this summer.
The Gators and Sumrall had polar opposite seasons in 2025.
Sumrall made it to the College Football Playoff with Tulane. The Gators finished 4-8, firing head coach Billy Napier admid another disappointing season in Gainesville.
Sumrall wants his players to be physical this spring. He believes his players are trying to become a tough team, but it takes reps to get there.
When speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Sumrall pointed out what groups and players are standing out him to him this spring.
He thinks the running backs are giving him some hope on what this team can become.
"We all have a pretty good feel for what Jadan Baugh is," Sumrall said, via Kevin Brockway of Gainesville.com.
"I thought Duke Clark looked good. I thought the running back room as a whole gives me some hope. Receivers as a whole give you some confidence too."
Heading into the spring, Sumrall believed those two positions were the strength of the Gators. With a new quarterback under center, those skill guys will need to carry the team.
Sumrall has seen good play on both sides of the ball. He praised defensive back Ben Hanks III for making an interception during a scrimmage.
"The quarterbacks operated well," Sumrall said. "I thought some give-and-take on both sides. It wasn't dominated by one side of the football. We started with the backed-up period coming off the goal line. Ben Hanks had an interception.
"It was a good play by him. I thought it's a very average play at best by the receiver on the attempt to go make the play. But it's really more of a testament to Ben going to make a play. Thought Ben's playing good."
The Gators still have a couple of more weeks to make a dent in their offseason program before players have some time off.
Florida's offensive line still needs time to jell. But that's to be expected this time of year.