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Gators 2024 Spring Camp Notebook: Day 3 Observations

All Gators' notes and takeaways from the media viewing window of Florida's third spring training camp practice of 2024.

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Gators 2024 Spring Camp Notebook: Day 3 Observations
Gators 2024 Spring Camp Notebook: Day 3 Observations /
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Photo: Florida WR Chimere Dike; Credit: Cam Parker 

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- With spring break in the rear-view mirror and full pads for the first time this spring, Florida returned to the practice fields on Tuesday for the third day of training camp. 

Find All Gators' notes and observations from day three of camp below. 

Gators Spring Camp 2024: Day 3 Notebook

Participation report

  • Upgraded to full participation: WR Chimere Dike (undisclosed), DL Joey Slackman (bicep)
  • Participating in no-contact jersey: EDGE Justus Boone (knee), LB Shemar James (knee), LB Derek Wingo (undisclosed), DB Jordan Castell (undisclosed), EDGE Bryce Capers* (lower body) 
  • In no-contact jersey, did not participate: RB Cam Carroll (knee), WR Andy Jean (undisclosed), TE Keon Zipperer (knee), OT Austin Barber (upper body), EDGE Jack Pyburn (knee), EDGE Layne Swafford* (undisclosed), DL Nicolas Flynn* (undisclosed)
  • Not observed during media viewing period: LB Myles Graham (undisclosed) 

* indicates walk-on status

Notes and observations 

On the injury front, two prominent offseason transfers were upgraded and participated fully for the first time during Tuesday's practice, those players being wide receiver Chimere Dike and defensive lineman Joey Slackman.

Dike, who transferred to Florida from Wisconsin, worked out in a limited capacity in the Gators' first two spring practices while recovering from an undisclosed hurt. So did Slackman, similarly sporting a no-contact jersey, while nursing a bicep injury suffered at his previous school, Penn. 

In the trenches, the offensive line was observed working in three groups: the right side, left side and centers.

On the right, Damieon George Jr. and Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson were observed taking the first reps at right guard and tackle, respectively. Bryce Lovett and Caden Jones took the next reps at those spots. Walk-on Chase Stevens and true freshmen Noel Portnjagin and Mike Williams were with the right-side group, too.

On the left side, Knijeah Harris and Kamryn Waites were observed taking first reps at left guard and tackle, respectively. Christian Williams, Devon Manuel, Fletcher Westphal, and walk-ons Bryan Rosenberg and Mark Pitts joined them in the group.

Jake Slaughter, Roderick Kearney, walk-on Hayden Clem and Riley Simonds made up the center group, which was overseen by new offensive line coach Jonathan Decoster.

For the first time this spring, wide receivers and defensive backs were observed doing one-on-one press and release drills in the open portion of practice. It should be noted that quarterbacks were not involved in the drill and did not throw to receivers.

Freshman Teddy Foster notably produced a great rep against fellow freshman, receiver Tank Hawkins, by keeping in his hip while dropping into coverage. Veteran receiver Marcus Burke won inside leverage against freshman Jameer Grimsley in one rep, who lost his footing but recovered quickly. 

Former Gators wide receiver and current NFL Draft prospect, Ricky Pearsall, observed Florida's practice on Tuesday. Pearsall and fellow UF draft prospects will participate in Pro Day workouts on Thursday, in front of pro scouts, coaches and management.

Clip of the day

Find Gators starting quarterback Graham Mertz connecting with rising sophomore wide receiver and Freshman All-American Eugene Wilson III on an in-breaking route below.

All Gators spring camp notebooks

Gators 2024 Spring Camp Notebook: Day 1 Observations

Gators 2024 Spring Camp Notebook: Day 2 Observations

Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and recruiting. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and All Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook. 

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