After a slow start, the first Florida football spring game under Jon Sumrall featured a handful of big plays on offense and some turnovers forced by the defense.
It ended with the Florida Gators offense (blue) and defense (orange) in a 45-45 tie before 47,100 at The Swamp in a scoring system that rewarded points for the defense for turnovers and stops.
Quarterbacks Tramel Jones Jr. and Aaron Philo played about even in their battle for the starting job, with Jones making fewer mistakes. Jones completed 13 of 17 passes for 210 yards and 2 TDs, while Philo went 18 of 24 for 166 yards with 2 TDs and 2 interceptions.
Transfer receivers Micah Mays and Eric Singleton Jr. had big days, with Mays finishing with 4 catches for 122 yards and a 2 TDs and Singleton catching 4 passes for 83 yards and a TD.
Mays broke free for a 75-yard TD catch from Jones late in the second quarter while Singleton hauled in a 36-yard TD pass from Jones. Philo’s best pass of the day was a 30-yard TD to Vernell Brown III late in the third quarter.
On defense, safeties DJ Coleman and Cam Dooley recorded interceptions in the first half, while cornerback Onis Konanbanny picked off a pass in the second half from freshman quarterback Will Griffin.
Here were our live updates from the spring game.
Patrick Durkin kicks third field goal for Florida football
Aidan Warner leads Florida football on its third field goal drive of the game as Patrick Durkin connects on a 26-yard field goal, putting the offense up 45-35 on the defense.
Florida football defense records third interception
Florida football’s defense records its third inerception of the game as cornerback Onis Konanbanny picks off a long pass attempt by freshman Will Griffin. Offense leads defense 42-35 at the end of the third quarter.
Florida football QB Aidan Warner records rushing TD
Aidan Warner leads Florida football offense on a 75-yard TD drive and caps it with a 16-yard TD run. Offense now leads defense 42-25.
Florida football K Patrick Durkin connects on another FG
Florida football quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. leads UF into field goal percentage on a drive to start the third quarter, and Patrick Durkin connects on a 29-yard field goal to extend the offense’s lead to 35-25 over the defense.
Florida football QB Aaron Philo fires TD pass to Micah Mays Jr.
Philo connects with Micah Mays on a 23-yard TD pass with four seconds left in the half, putting the offense up 32-25 on defense at halftime. Offense did a 180-degree turn in the second quarter as UF’s offense under new coordinator Buster Faulkner generated big plays. Philo and Jones with close to identical passing numbers in first half − Philo 15 of 21, 154 yards 2 TDs, Jones 8 of 12, 154 yards 2 TDs. The difference? Philo has thrown two interceptions.
Florida football QB Tramell Jones Jr. answers with long TD pass to Micah Mays Jr.
Florida football quarterback Tramell Jones answers with a 75-yard TD pass to receiver Micah Mays, then connects with Bailey Stockton on a two-point convesion. Offense 25, Defense 25.
Florida football QB Aaron Philo fires TD pass
Philo bounces back from two early interceptions, firing a 30-yard TD pass to receiver Vernell Brown III, who broke open on sideline pattern. Defense 25, Offense 17,
Another interception by Florida football QB Aaron Philo
Florida football QB Aaron Philo throws his second interception of the game, a pass thrown behind intended receiver Vernell Brown III that was deflected and picked off by safety Cam Dooley. Six more points for the defense, Florida football defense 25, Florida football offense 10
Florida football QB Tramell Jones Jr. throws first TD pass of the game
Florida football quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. throws the most impressive pass of the game so far, a 38-yard TD pass to receiver Eric Singleton. Defense 15, Offense 10.
Florida football S DJ Coleman records interception
Florida football safety DJ Coleman, a transfer from Baylor, intercepts a pass from Philo on a crossing pattern over the middle. Six more points for the Florida defense on the takeaway. Defense 14, Offense 3.
Freshman DE KJ Ford records sack, Florida football settles for FG
Freshman KJ Ford records a sack for the defense and Florida’s offense settles for a 48-yard field goal by Patrick Durkin on its second drive under Philio. Defense 8, Offense 3.
End 1, Florida football defense 8, Florida football offense 0
Defense dominating Orange and Blue Game early through quarterback Aaron Philo has UF in field goal range on his second offensive series.
Solid special teams play for Florida football
Punter Alec Clark booted a 57-yard punt that was downed at the one-yard line. So far special teams and defense dominating in the game. Tramell Jones Jr. struggling in two series at quarterback, just seven yards passing and sacked when he stumbled in pocket in two series.
Florida football offense fails on short yardage
With quarterback Aaron Philo leading the offense on first series, Florida drove 49 yards before running back Jadan Baugh was stuffed on a 4th-and-1 play. Philo completed 5 of 6 passes for 36 yards on the opening series. Baugh rushed for 13 yards. Offensive line on the opening series included Emeka Ugorji at left tacke, Knijeah Harris at left guard, Harrison Moore at center, Bryce Lovett at right guard and Caden Jones at right tackle.
Florida football injury rundown
Wide receiver Dallas Wilson is among a handful of players out for the Florida football spring. Here’s a full rundown.
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Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida football spring game updates: WR Micah Mays Jr. stars as offense, defense tie
Reporting by Kevin Brockway, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
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