Scott Carter breaks down each position for the Gators as they prepare to open fall camp
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — There were injuries and inconsistency and other ailments that plagued Florida’s offensive line in Will Muschamp’s first season as head coach.
Muschamp expects Year 2 to be better up front.
Part of Muschamp’s optimism comes from new offensive line coach Tim Davis, who replaces the departed Frank Verducci. Davis is the third offensive line coach in three years for the Gators.
The change has been good to Muschamp’s eyes.
“Our most improved unit this spring was our offensive line,’’ Muschamp said. “We needed to take huge steps forward. A lot of that goes to Tim. He’s a guy that really does a great job of relating to the college athlete.”
Davis is a veteran line coach with more than 25 years of coaching experience, including one season working with Muschamp on with the Miami Dolphins in 2005. He spent last season at Utah.
He inherits a group that offers a good mixture of experience and youth. If he can maximize the ability of the veterans like Jon Halapio and tap into the potential of newcomers such as true freshman D.J. Humphries, the Gators should have no trouble improving their performance from last season.
With fall camp scheduled to open Friday, GatorZone.com is taking a look at each position group this week. Here is a look at the offensive line:
No. 72 Jon Harrison (RS Jr., 6-3, 309)
At a glance: Emerged in fall camp last year to earn the starting job at center. He started 12 games at center and one at left guard. Harrison is a good athlete on the interior line and continues to develop into more of a leadership role.
No. 50 Sam Robey (RS Sr., 6-3, 297)
At a glance: A reserve for most of his career, Robey can play center or either guard position. He has played in 32 games over his career.
No. 73 Xavier Nixon (Sr., 6-6, 309)
At a glance: Nixon has made significant strides since an up-and-down sophomore season in 2010. He started nine games a year ago and enters camp as the projected starter at left tackle. Nixon’s combination of size and athletic ability make him a valuable asset in the passing and running game when he is in top form.
No. 66 James Wilson (RS Sr., 6-4, 327)
At a glance: Granted a sixth year of eligibility, Wilson has started six games and played in 38 over his career. He showed signs of improvement near the end of last season, earning his only start of the season at left guard in Florida’s win over Ohio State in the Gator Bowl. Wilson is projected to start at left guard entering fall camp.
No. 67 Jon Halapio (RS Jr., 6-3, 325)
At a glance: Halapio was the offensive line’s most consistent player a year ago, the only member of the unit to start every game at the same position. Halapio once again is penciled in as the starter at right guard and is the probably the strongest player up front for the Gators. His blocking will be crucial for Florida coach Will Muschamp’s goal to run the ball between the tackles more effectively.
No. 64 Kyle Koehne (RS Jr., 6-5, 304)
At a glance: Has appeared in 26 games over the past three seasons, including his first career start against Furman last year. Koehne provides quality depth along the interior line and is considered a reliable presence when on the field.
No. 71 Matt Patchan (RS Jr., 6-6, 279)
At a glance: The coaching staff likes Patchan’s toughness and if he can stay healthy he is likely to start or split time with Green at right tackle. Patchan’s career has been hampered by injuries and prevented him from reaching his full potential.
No. 75 Chaz Green (RS Soph., 6-5, 300)
At a glance: He started nine games a year ago and was named a Freshman All-American. Green can play both tackle spots and should see plenty of playing time this season as a starter or key reserve.
No. 77 Ian Silberman (RS Soph., 6-5, 288)
At a glance: Silberman has appeared in four games over two seasons and is coming off a shoulder injury that required surgery.
No. 63 Trip Thurman (RS Fr., 6-5, 315)
At a glance: Played on special teams in one game but was redshirted after undergoing shoulder surgery during the season.
No. 65 Tommy Jordan (RS Fr., 6-4, 288)
At a glance: Underwent shoulder surgery last season and did not play.
No. 70 D.J. Humphries (Fr., 6-6, 272)
At a glance: Considered one of the top tackle prospects in country coming out of Mallard Creek (N.C.) High. He is very athletic for a player his size and has the potential to see playing time as a true freshman if needed. He enrolled early and is more advanced than a typical freshman entering fall camp.
No. 74 Jessamen Dunker (Fr., 6-4, 313)
At a glance: Another early enrollee, Dunker did not start playing football until his junior year of high school. He quickly developed as a force at the line of scrimmage and provides depth and versatility if called upon.
No. 76 Max Garcia (Jr., 6-4, 290)
At a glance: A transfer from Maryland who must sit out the 2012 season, Garcia started 12 games for the Terrapins last year and figures prominently into Florida’s plans for 2013.
