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Tennessee football: Getting to know Florida from a Gators expert

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 17, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier talks with Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) works out prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier talks with Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) works out prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) gets a first down during the first quarter at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) gets a first down during the first quarter at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Who are some key Florida players beyond Anthony Richardson on offense and defense that Vol fans should know about?

On offense, O’Cyrus Torrence at guard came to Florida from Louisiana when Napier came. Despite all the issues in the passing game, Florida has had a solid running attack, and the O-line combined with running backs Montrell Johnson, Trevor Etienne, and Nay’Quan Wright.

Johnson has been Napier’s most trusted back, which makes sense since he also transferred in from Louisiana. (Note: Johnson has 240 rushing yards and two touchdowns so far and is averaging 9.6 yards per carry.) Etienne and Wright have fought for carries, but Etienne is the far more explosive back.

At the receiver position, Ricky Pearsall should (the keyword should) be the primary target for Richardson on 15-yard routes.  If Richardson has his mechanics in order, Pearsall could have 6-8 catches for 100 yards. If not, Pearsall will have 2 catches for 20 yards. (Note: Pearsall has 7 catches for 120 yards so far this year).

Defensively, the health of linebacker Ventrell Miller will be massive. He was hurt last week and Florida looked completely lost on where to line up defensively. Don’t sleep on Florida’s cornerbacks. Jason Marshall and Jalen Kimber are rock solid when allowed to press receivers.

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