Florida football has made through the first week and a half of fall camp with the Gators finally putting on full pads and preparing for their first scrimmage later this week.
With limited time in pads, it’s still early to make definitive evaluations on which players are emerging. However several players have created some buzz from both coaches and teammates.
Here’s a breakdown as to which of Florida’s players’ stocks are rising.
LJ McCray, defensive line
McCray has been one of the most talked-about players this season. The former five-star has had injury issues as he went through most of last year’s fall camp injured and then had a season-ending foot injury.
This year, coaches and players have raved about the shape McCray is in, with a 365-pound power clean being a highlight.
“He’s created some explosion and twitch in his body that he didn’t have,” Sumrall said. “He’s a leaner, stronger version of himself. And he’s got confidence too.”
The 6-foot-7 lineman put on 21 pounds of muscle in the offseason and is running 20 mph. Sumrall noted that McCray is striking blocks much better and, because of the shape he is in, could play JACK if needed.
“Now that he’s stronger, he’s playing with his hands,” Sumrall said. “He’s playing with a little bit more knockback; he’s playing with a little bit more physicality. But yeah, he’s versatile.”
TJ Shanahan Jr., offensive line
There have been plenty of questions about Florida’s offensive line, which was highlighted by Sumrall speaking on the urgency for the unit to come together in the offseason.
“TJ has been awesome,” said Florida center Harrison Moore. “That’s my guy. He really pushes me to be better every day. We did a bunch of extra work after practice and stuff like that. He’s a guy who’s all the way in on football. Not a lot of guys are 100% bought in, but he’s somebody that I’ve seen on this team that just.
Shanahan saw action in all 13 games at Penn State and started five last year. Shanahan has been praised by his teammates for helping bring the offensive line together. While at the same time it seems Shanahan has solidified that he will be a starter at guard.
Ben Hanks III, cornerback
Like the others on the list, Hanks has been praised by his teammates and has been regularly named as one of the toughest players for UF’s wide receivers and quarterbacks to face.
“Biggest problem? I think Ben Hanks had a really good spring,” Florida quarterback Aaron Philo said. “He’s an extremely good player. I feel like his eyes are really good; he sees a lot of things, and then I think he plays the ball pretty good as well.”
That sentiment was shared by receivers TJ Abrams and Dallas Wilson.
“He’s just been paying attention to his craft a lot more,” Abrams said. “Just attacking it like a pro. Every time you see Ben, he’s always doing extra stuff after workouts, by himself or with a group of DBs.”
The redshirt freshman appeared in three games last year, but made his first career start against Florida State, which featured him recording eight tackles, two pass breakups and an interception.
Duke Clark, running back
There has rightfully been plenty of talk and expectation for star running back Jadan Baugh.
However, it’s been said in so many words that Duke Clark is looking to be the go-to running back to relieve Baugh. Like a lot of Gators last season, his season was cut short by a shoulder injury, as he had only 15 carries for 38 yards.
“Duke Clark has got a chance to be a really good player,” said Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner before fall camp. “We want him to put it together on a day-in, day-out basis, but he’s one that always seems to flash when he’s got the ball in his hands. He’s extremely smart. He’s had a really, really good offseason.”
Clark is dealing with a minor soft tissue injury and has been limited in practice.
Kanye Clark, cornerback
The UCLA transfer stands at just 5-foot-10, but his ability to play in coverage and difficulty being blocked has gained him traction. As of now, Clark is looking to play the STAR, but has the flexibility to play nickel and corner.
In his final season with the Bruins, he recorded 22 tackles in nine games.
“A fun player to watch,” Sumrall said. “He’s got a little spark-plug mentality, like the way he plays.
“Look forward to watching him grow. He’s having a good camp so far. Really a headsy football player that I’m excited to see what he can do. We’ve got to continue to develop the depth of that spot, but I like what he’s doing.”
Reach Florida Gators writer Andrew Abadie at AAbadie@usatodayco.com or on X (formerly Twitter) at @AndrewAbadie. You can also find him on Facebook at Andrew Abadie Sports Reporter or on Instagram @andrewabadie_sports.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Here are 5 Florida football players raising their stock in fall camp
Reporting by Andrew Abadie, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
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By Andrew Abadie, Gainesville Sun | USA TODAY Network
