We preview fall camp for the Florida Gators. Be sure and check back, as we’ll preview all 14 teams.

Personnel

Head coach Jim McElwain and his coaching staff prepare to open fall camp and learn a little bit more about their players and team. McElwain has a tough job ahead during his first season in Gainesville, rebuilding a depleted roster at certain uncertain positions.

Just because Dante Fowler is gone, don’t expect a big drop off on Florida’s defensive line. One player won’t replace Fowler’s production; rather, the Gators have several defensive linemen who will help fill the void. New defensive coordinator Geoff Collins should be more aggressive, allowing Jon Bullard, Alex McCalister and CeCe Jefferson, among others, to put up pass rush numbers, leaving the talented corners on an island.

The Gators’ linebacking corps is thinner than most other positions, but it’s talented. Getting back Antonio Morrison early would be a major boost to this position, but Alex Anzalone, Daniel McMillian and Jarrad Davis are ready for big seasons. Although it’s thin, if this group can stay healthy, it should be fine.

Contrary to the linebackers, the secondary is loaded, headlined by corners Vernon Hargreaves and Jalen Tabor. Nickel back Brian Poole and safeties Keanu Neal and Marcus Maye are all great players, too. With such great cornerback play, Collins can afford to dial up the pressure on quarterbacks. Florida will make its case for the SEC’s DBU in 2015.

The offense, however, has holes to fill. It starts at quarterback. Will Grier and Treon Harris will continue their position battle through fall camp, and Jim McElwain will need to put five quality players together along the offensive line. Three of the five are probably settled, headlined by tackles David Sharpe and Martez Ivey, though Ivey will have to earn his keep. Florida needs Kelvin Taylor, Adam Lane and Jordan Scarlett to have big seasons, and a wide receiver not named Demarcus Robinson to make an instant impact.

Personnel-wise, Florida is as talented as any team in the country, but overcoming questions at quarterback and offensive line could be the difference between 7-5 and 9-3. The Gators must continue to build depth and experience at every position throughout the season.

Primary Position Battles

Quarterback — Pro-style signal caller Will Grier and dual-threat quarterback Treon Harris will continue their competition through fall camp. Grier is the quarterback better suited for the style of play Jim McElwain wants to have, but Harris adds a different dimension with his legs. Grier had a great spring, and he really looks ready to become the starter. Harris, however, may give the Gators their best chance to move the offense up and down the field and ultimately win. One thing’s for certain: this position must produce for the Gators. It produced just seven touchdown passes and 11 INTs during SEC play in 2014. Consistency will be the key, no matter which quarterback gets the nod.

Offensive Line —This group can’t afford any more attrition, period. Ironing out the starting five will be one of the biggest issues the Gators will face during fall camp. Sophomore David Sharpe and freshman Martez Ivey could start at left and right tackle. The most experienced returner, Trip Thurman, should start at center. That leaves right and left guard. Antonio Riles and Travaris Dorsey are the early favorites to win the position, but Andrew Mike will figure into the rotation. Fordham graduate transfer Mason Halter will also compete at tackle, as he was a three-time FCS All-American.

Defensive Tackle — Redshirt sophomore Caleb Brantley and redshirt freshman Taven Bryan are sure to entertain with their position battle. Bryan is called the “Wyoming Wild Man”, while Brantley could be the more talented of the two. Bryan has made nothing but a positive impression since arriving on campus. Regardless of who wins the job, both will be in the rotation and play a lot. However, many are eager to see Bryan in action and to see Brantley at his best. Hopefully, the position battle will bring out the best of both.

End Goal

The biggest goal of fall camp is to find a starting quarterback. Whether it’s Grier or Harris, one of the two should be able to efficiently move this offense up and down the field. The coaching staff will cater to the strengths of either player to put the best offensive product on the field.

The second biggest issue is finding the right five guys along the offensive line. McElwain recently said on ESPN that Florida could play as many as four freshmen on the offensive line. It will be a tough stretch during SEC play. However, getting these freshmen up to speed during fall camp will be crucial for an eight- or nine-win season.