The Florida Gators bring back a veteran offensive line for the 2025 season. With four out of five starters returning, this unit should be the focal point of the offense. In recent years, the offensive line has left a lot to be desired. Often subpar in pass protection, former quarterbacks struggled to avoid a high number of sacks. However, real strides were made last season, and the line looked much improved. Now bringing back practically the same core group, this unit will be leaned upon. Head coach Billy Napier has always preferred a run-first approach to his offenses. With a strong skill player group, the offensive line will have all the help it needs. This is a pivotal season in Gainesville, marked by high expectations following a scintillating finish to the previous season. If the veteran offensive line can produce, the Gators could make a surprise playoff appearance.
Gators’ Season Hinges on the Offensive Line
Returning All-American
The unquestioned leader and most accomplished player of this unit is center Jake Slaughter. Last season, Slaughter was recognized as a First Team All-American by the Associated Press, a prestigious honor. Despite the impressive season, he decided to return to Gainesville as a Redshirt Senior. A team captain during the 2024 season, he has shown the ability to make a difference. Logging in 800 snaps on offense, he was reliable down the stretch and showed he could be counted upon. Now entering his second season as a full-time starter, the hope is that he takes another step in the right direction.
Viewed by many experts as a first-round prospect, he has the chance to solidify his draft stock. If he puts together another All-American season, he could be the first lineman selected. The Gators will be asking a lot of this veteran, as he will dictate the direction of this unit.
First Round Hopes?
Although Slaughter is viewed as the frontrunner of this offensive line, don’t count out offensive tackle Austin Barber. After starting all 13 games at left tackle, he now has his fair share of SEC experience. Being named SEC offensive lineman of the week against Mississippi State, he showed flashes of his ability. Now entering his Redshirt Senior season, this is his chance to prove himself to NFL Draft scouts. Listed as 6′-6″ and 322 pounds, he has the ideal size to play at the next level. The next step in his game will be consistency, as he hasn’t shown to be a truly dominant run blocker. Great in the passing game, if he can round out his skillset, he could be in first-round draft talks.
Trusted Guards
The Gators have the blessing of returning both veteran guards from last year’s lineup. Lining up at left guard next to Baber, junior Knijeah Harris returns for his second year as a starter. Hailing from IMG Academy, Harris was highly recruited out of high school. After appearing in all 12 games as a true freshman, he earned the starting role as a sophomore. Despite the slow start to the season, he saw his snap count rise as the year progressed. Earning the trust of his teammates and coaches, he played a crucial role in the late-season turnaround. Now with SEC experience under his belt, he should be ready to perform. With an offense focused on the run game, the guards will play a key role. Harris has the chance to contribute and show that he belongs as an SEC starter.
Moving over to the right guard slot, the Gators received more good news. Redshirt Senior Damieon George Jr. decided to return to Gainesville for one last year. A transfer from Alabama, he originally came in as an offensive tackle. During the 2023 season, he started 11 games at the left tackle position. However, he struggled mightily in pass protection, allowing too many hits on quarterback Graham Mertz. Making the switch to guard last offseason, he looked like a completely different player. Allowing 0 individual sacks, he showed that being a guard is his natural position. Listed at a whopping 362 pounds, lining up inside allows him to use his size to his advantage. A great run blocker, George fits the offense and does exactly what he needs to do. If the veteran can put together another solid season for the Gators, there is an NFL future in sight.
Filling the Final Spot
Florida was lucky enough to only lose one starter from last season’s offensive line. Right tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson left for the NFL, eventually signing with the Titans as an undrafted free agent. A solid blocker, he left some big shoes to fill for anyone on the roster. After a competitive Spring camp, all signs point to the Gators promoting Redshirt Sophomore Bryce Lovett. During the 2024 season, he started three games at right guard and saw action in all 13. Earning Freshman All-SEC honors, the potential he brings to this offense is intriguing. Despite making the move from guard to tackle, he showed during the Spring that he was up to the task. If Florida wants to compete for a playoff berth, they cannot have a weak link in the offensive line. With the other four spots taken up by veteran linemen, the Gators need Lovett to elevate his game.
Final Thoughts
The offensive line should be the least of the Gators’ concerns. Returning four out of five starters allows this group to feel right at home. With two potential first-rounders in this unit, Napier should feel comfortable running his offense. Quarterback DJ Lagway now enters his first full season as the starter. With a strong supporting cast, he should have no worries about his protection. Expectations are high in Gainesville, and this could be a make-or-break season for this staff. After surprising the college football world with eight wins, fans are hoping this team takes the next step. Despite the brutal schedule, anything less than eight wins would be seen as a disappointment. Although the skill group is on the younger side, the trenches are not. Florida should have no worries about the physicality of their offensive line. The Gators’ season hinges on this veteran position group.
Main Image: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
The post Gators Offensive Line Review: Veteran Unit appeared first on Last Word on College Football.