Breaking down Florida football’s Week 2 depth chart
Florida released its second unofficial depth chart ahead of its Week 2 contest against the South Florida Bulls, and it’s clear that coach Dan Mullen is not overreacting to any specific data points from Week 1, at least publicly.
The latest depth chart is identical to the one the Gators released last week (apologies to fans that were hoping to see Anthony Richardson start on Saturday), including the “or” at running back between Malik Davis and Dameon Pierce, despite Davis seeing the bulk of the carries in Week 1.
There are also no changes along the offensive line. Heading to the season, it was thought that with Kingsley Eguakun winning the center job, Josh Braun would eventually replace Jean Delance at right tackle. That could still happen, but Delance retains his starting job for now. Braun only played nine snaps last week, the same as the other rotational offensive linemen.
One of the surprises from the initial depth chart was Avery Helm starting on the outside opposite Kaiir Elam ahead of Texas A&M transfer Elijah Blades and five-star true freshman Jason Marshall. Helm struggled in coverage a bit, but Blades and Marshall didn’t look much better, though Marshall saw 29 reps compared to Blades’ seven. Regardless, Helm gets another shot to start in Week 2.
Rick Wells is still listed as a backup on the depth chart despite leading the team in catches last week with five for 36 yards and a touchdown. Wells was only on the field for 29 snaps, the sixth-most among receivers, and he could compete for more playing time if he continues to produce.
Overall, Florida is basically keeping the plan exactly the same for its second game of the year, and it will hope for a more all-encompassing dominating performance that it achieved against FAU.
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List
Gators Wire's staff predictions for Florida football vs. USF
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