Florida football emphasizing turnovers in fall camp.
Florida football linebacker Myles Graham (5) catches the ball during a turnover drill in fall camp on August 14 at the Condron Indoor Football Facility.
Florida football held its 13th practice of fall camp on August 14 at the Heavener Center.
In all, the Florida Gators will practice 17 times in camp to prepare for the season, which starts Aug. 30 at The Swamp against Long Island University (7 p.m., SEC Network Plus). UF’s schedule includes seven Top 25 opponents, beginning on Sept. 13 in its SEC opener at No. 9 LSU.
UF worked indoors at the Gary Condron Football Indoor facility as the third week of fall camp is winding down.
“It’s definitely a competition every day,” Florida offensive lineman Knijeah Harris said. “You know, going in there, you want to compete not only against the defensive line, but with the guys in the room. I think that’s the good part about having depth is it keeps everybody on our toes to keep working hard.”
Here are three takeaways from the open portion of practice:
Florida football DT Caleb Banks out
Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks was among players not practicing. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound Banks was spotted in a walking boot this week and is reportedly day-to-day. Banks is coming off a breakout junior season that included seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks and is a projected first round pick in next April’s NFL Draft.
Also not practicing was defensive back Aaron Gates, who has been out this week in his attempt to come back from ACL surgery last November. Gates had been working out the first two weeks of drills.
Wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (calf) was dressed but did not take part in pass-catching drills, while wide receiver Aidan Mizell was a full participant. Linebacker Grayson Howard also was a full participant again in practice after being limited the first two weeks of practice with an ankle injury.
Wide receiver Dallas Wilson, edge rusher L.J. McCray and running back Treyaun Webb remain out.
Florida football QB D.J. Lagway continues strong week throwing the football
It’s been a good week for quarterback D.J. Lagway, who has been limited in camp due to a calf injury. Lagway displayed the arm strength that allowed him to complete 12 passes of 40 yards or more as a freshman in 2024, connecting with receivers J. Michael Sturdivant and T.J. Abrams in stride on deep routes.
Florida football coach Billy Napier has been non-commital to this point when asked if Lagway will be ready in time to take part in UF’s season opener with LIU.
“We’re controlling the environment, trying to take care of him from a soft tissue standpoint,” Napier said.
Florida football OL Jason Zandamela still taking snaps at center
Florida redshirt freshman Jason Zandamela is continuing to take snaps at center in his efforts to create more versatility to see the field. The 6-foot-3, 308-pound Zandamela was recruited as a guard.
“Jason’s coming along really well,” Harris said. “I think he’s working really hard. Just getting all the fine details of being the center, all the calls.”
Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!” — a hardcover coffee-table collector’s book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com
