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Gators Fall Camp 2023: Notes and Observations From Day 3

All Gators' takeaways from day three of Florida's 2023 fall camp, with a positional focus on the safeties and STAR nickel cornerbacks.

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Gators Fall Camp 2023: Notes and Observations From Day 3
Gators Fall Camp 2023: Notes and Observations From Day 3 /
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Florida Gators hit the practice field again on Wednesday for day three of fall camp ahead of the 2023 season. Despite an evening setting with the first whistle being blown around 6:30 p.m. ET, the heat remained intense as the Gators worked outside on the Sanders Practice Fields for the third day in a row. 

All Gators compiled the following notes and observations from the media viewing period of practice. 

Related: Notes and Photo Gallery From Day 1

Related: Notes and Quarterback Video From Day 2

Gators Fall Camp 2023: Day Three Notes

  • Players graduated from helmets only to shells on day three, donning helmets and shoulder pads for the first time. The team will move into full pads later this week.
  • Junior tight end Jonathan Odom, junior offensive lineman Micah Mazzccua, and wide receivers, sophomore Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman, freshman Eugene Wilson III and freshman walk-on Brian Greene Jr., continued to participate in black no-contact jerseys on Wednesday, as they had during the first two practice sessions.
  • Odom and Mazzccua worked within their respective position group in the no-contact portion of drills. 
  • After working off to the side on Monday and Tuesday, the trio of wideouts did, however, participate in blocking drills led by position coach Billy Gonzales. They did not run routes.  
  • FIU offensive line transfer Lyndell Hudson II. — a top contender in the Gators’ right tackle competition — was absent for the second straight day. Multiple sources told All Gators that Hudson was required to enter concussion protocol following what was described as a “minor” car accident. 
  • All Gators observed the safeties and STAR cornerbacks on day three, with defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong leading the group through individual drills. 
  • The positions focused on downhill read-and-reaction and tackling simulation during the media viewing period. In one drill, each player dropped into a deep coverage shell before breaking down and pursuing a rolling tackling bag. An example of the drill can be watched below.
  • Of note, sophomores Kamari Wilson and Miguel Mitchell were the first deep safeties to conduct drills. Senior Jadarrius Perkins led the projected STAR corners through drills.
  • Michigan safety transfer R.J. Moten stood out with a build noticeably more muscular than the other safeties. Listed at 6-foot, 219 pounds, Moten looks more like a modern linebacker than a safety, although he appears athletic enough to handle the coverage responsibilities that come with his position. That being said, he could field a major role on early downs when run plays are more common. 

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