defense
6
Florida fifth-year senior Kofi Asare discusses growth process, desire to make most of final collegiate season
- Florida JACK Kofi Asare said Brad White's defense is becoming more comfortable because he is learning the full assignment structure instead of thinking through plays on the field.
- Asare described Florida's defense as unpredictable, with late-changing looks and pressure presentations that can make offenses unsure whether he is rushing or dropping.
- Asare said Jon Sumrall has been more personally involved and demanding than the previous staff, including direct coaching on field and special teams details.
- Asare said Bryce Lovett had a strong final scrimmage and showed inside-outside versatility after improving his body and quickness.
- Asare said Joseph Mbatchou is highly focused with a rising ceiling, while freshman KJ Ford is rapidly learning the JACK role after playing defensive end in high school.
defenseschematicspracticemarketcoachingspecial_teamsolfall_scrimmagepersonneldepth_chart
Vernell Brown III talks Ben Hanks III's development, Florida's WR depth and more
- Florida wide receiver Vernell Brown III said Buster Faulkner's new offense was a lot to install but that the group is ready from an assignment standpoint entering Week 1.
- Brown described Florida's offense as exciting and said quarterback Aaron Philo commands it well, knows the answers, and puts the ball where it needs to be.
- Florida's receiver room is described as competitive and deep, with Brown expecting Dallas Wilson to have a big year and Kahleil Jackson looking strong after returning from injury.
- Brown said freshman Justin Williams is turning the corner and should be ready whenever Florida needs him.
- Brown praised Ben Hanks III's cornerback development, length, savvy, and coverage understanding after frequent spring work against him.
offenseschematicspracticeqbexcitementswrdepth_chartinjuriesdbdefensespring_practicepersonnel
Florida releases first depth chart of 2026 season
- Aaron Philo is Florida's confirmed starting quarterback for the Florida Atlantic opener.
- Florida's opening offensive line is Bryce Lovett, Knijeah Harris, Harrison Moore, TJ Shanahan Jr. and Emeka Ugorji from left tackle to right tackle, with depth competitions continuing behind them.
- Lacota Dippre will start at Y tight end, while Amir Jackson and Luke Harpring share the top H-back designation.
- Kamran James, LJ McCray and Emmanuel Oyebadejo are all listed as first-team defensive ends in a highly competitive rotation that Jon Sumrall expects to use across different packages and roles.
- Kanye Clark leads Florida at STAR, while Cormani McClain and J'Vari Flowers share the second outside-corner role.
qboffensedepth_chartgame_breakdownolconcernsteschematicsdldefensecoachingdbpersonnel
Everything Florida's Jon Sumrall said in Week 1 SEC coaches' teleconference
- Jon Sumrall wants Florida to play the FAU opener with pace and effort while operating crisply enough to avoid the assignment and procedural mistakes common in Week 1.
- Sumrall said Florida's offensive line required massive improvement when his staff arrived and has progressed under Phil Trautwein, but its readiness for the desired competitive level remains unproven until Saturday.
- Philo retained the quarterback lead through superior command at the line of scrimmage, while Tramell made strides, Aidan Warner stayed consistent and freshman Will Griffin demonstrated high-end talent.
- Florida's opening specialists include Patrick Durkin at kicker after a 25-for-28 season, veteran Alec Clark at punter and holder, Carter Milliron on long snaps and freshman Lincoln Anderson on short snaps.
- Florida prioritized retaining edge rusher Jayden Woods when he entered the portal, and Sumrall believes his talent, preparation and work habits give him an exceptionally high ceiling.
coachinggame_breakdownpracticeconcernsoloffenseqbdepth_chartspecial_teamskickerpersonneldldefensetransfersexcitements
ESPN: FBS coaches highlight Florida CB as 2026 breakout candidate
- Cornerback Ben Hanks III is positioned for a breakout after impressing Florida's new staff during spring practice and earning praise from Jon Sumrall for his length, speed, competitiveness and work habits.
- Hanks flashed in limited 2025 action with two pass breakups and a 48-yard interception return in his first start against Florida State.
- Florida receivers TJ Abrams and Vernell Brown III say Hanks has become more professional, consistently adds extra work and gives them high-level competition in practice.
dbpersonnelexcitementspractice