Practice Notes: Tempers flare as Franks keeps edge, D-line stars
THE OFFENSIVE LINE STILL HAS A LONG WAY TO GO
We'll say this: The first-team offensive line probably isn't quite as far behind as we expected early on this spring. That's the good news.
The bad news is right now Florida sure as heck better stay healthy because the second-team offensive line is pretty close to a disaster. Having said that, there is plenty of time for those guys to develop and it's not at all unexpected right now given the fact that essentially three true freshmen are starting on that unit right now, as well as one redshirt freshman.
The first-team offensive line has actually looked quite decent at times in run-blocking, which is great news. If Florida can rely on the run game, at least, it should allow the offense to be pretty functional.
Right guard Chris Bleich had a really nice block in space at the second level today on a run up the middle, sealing off Brad Stewart to the outside for a big gain on a Franks keeper.
The tackles actually were relatively sound in pass protection for the most part on Saturday as well, though Jean Delance and Stone Forsythe are still occasionally beaten off the edge. Delance was beaten once today by Jabari Zuniga for an easy sack.
But both units really struggled with interior pressure on the pass rush on Saturday. The second-team offensive line made the offense virtually inoperable with its inability to pick up interior tackles and linebackers coming free on the blitz; twists and stunts are really confusing the second-team unit right now.
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4) On the second team late in practice, Ethan White continues to flip from left guard to left tackle, while T.J. Moore flips from right guard to right tackle. Both are cross-training for a few snaps each practice there.
5) Center Kingsley Eguakun moved into the second-team unit some today in 11-on-11 work. Backup center Tanner Rowell has struggled through the spring snapping the ball.