Florida will start Aaron Philo at quarterback for Saturday's rivalry clash against No. 3 Georgia, sources told ESPN. First-year coach Jon Sumrall is electing to start Philo over Tramell Jones Jr. after both quarterbacks took first-team snaps in practice this week. Philo missed Florida's 27-24 upset of Texas on Oct. 17 because of a shoulder injury.
Jones threw for 155 yards on 22-for-35 passing with two touchdowns against the Longhorns in his first career start but has been dealing with "a couple bumps and bruises" since, Sumrall said this week. Both quarterbacks were listed as questionable on Florida's initial availability report. Philo has completed 70.5% of his attempts for 1,341 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions in six games.
In 2023, Philo set the Georgia high school all-time passing yards record by throwing for 13,922 yards during his four-year career at Prince Avenue Christian School in Bogart, which is located about 15 miles from the UGA campus. He broke the previous mark of 13,902 yards set by Trevor Lawrence at Cartersville High School from 2014 to '17. Speedy Florida receiver Vernell Brown III, who has missed three games while recovering from a sprained right knee, is listed as probable and is expected to return vs. the Bulldogs.
The Gators, however, are expected to be without receiver Bailey Stockton and linebacker Jaden Robinson, who are both listed as doubtful. For Georgia, running back Chauncey Bowens has again been ruled out after missing the last two games with a foot injury, meaning Nate Frazier, Dwight Phillips Jr. and Bo Walker will see action in the backfield. Safety KJ Bolden, who has a leg injury, is likely a game-time decision after missing the Bulldogs' loss to Auburn.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing