Florida vs. Michigan: Gators release first 2017 depth chart

The first depth chart of the Florida Gators for the 2017 season has been released. The full chart, which Florida titled as “unofficial” in their release, is below.

Let’s break that down into easier to read sections.

I told y’all that the “Feleipe Franks or Luke Del Rio or Malik Zaire” phrasing was happening.

However, I did expect that that trio would be organized by alphabetical order. While they aren’t organized alphabetically by last name, they are by first name - whether that was intentional or not remains to be seen. Jim McElwain was rather clear that he didn’t intend to disclose a starter at quarterback and this depth chart is reflective of that.

With Antonio Callaway suspended, the three receivers atop the depth chart are Brandon Powell, Tyrie Cleveland, Dre Massey, and Josh Hammond. True freshman Daquon Green was much buzzed about in camp, and has earned himself a role at receiver.

On the offensive line, Tyler Jordan backs up several spots, as expected. The running back and tight end depth charts don’t yield any surprises, with veteran TEs C’yontai Lewis and DeAndre Goolsby listed as starters, and Jordan Scarlett cementing his role as Florida’s feature back.

With Marcell Harris out for the season, Chauncey Gardner starts at safety alongside Nick Washington. Duke Dawson is at one of the corner spots, as expected, and listed alongside him is true freshman Marco Wilson, brother of Quincy Wilson. The younger Wilson also appears as the starter at nickel, and had been widely expected to lock down the starting nickel job after camp. Several true freshman dot the depth chart for Florida’s secondary.

The defensive line depth chart isn’t surprising. Three true freshman appear on the third team, and are likely to see some playing time this season in the rotation. That trio of 6’4” Gators are Elijah Conliffe, Zachary Carter, and Tedarrell Slaton.

Redshirt freshman Jeremiah Moon will start at linebacker, along with sophomores David Reese and Vosean Joseph. Former walk-on Cristian Garcia appears as Joseph’s back-up, after recently earning a scholarship with the Gators.

Florida has two of the nation’s best specialists in Eddy Piñeiro and Johnny Townsend. With Callaway out, the depth chart for returner is filled by fellow wide receivers Cleveland, Massey, Powell, and exciting freshman Kadarius Toney.