Tramell Jones Jr. got his first start for Florida because Aaron Philo was hurt. He helped the Gators erase a two-touchdown deficit at Texas, beat the seventh-ranked Longhorns and then returned to the bench. Three weeks later, he’s in line to start again, this time with a chance to win the job at home.
Florida is expected to start Jones against Oklahoma on Saturday night according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. It would be Jones’ second career start and his first at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Philo started Florida’s first six games before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the Oct. 17 trip to Austin.
Jones completed 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards that afternoon and found tight end Lacota Dippre for both of his touchdowns. He also went the entire game without a turnover, giving Florida a chance to rally for a 27-24 win. Coach Jon Sumrall went back to Philo after the bye week.
Against Georgia, Philo attempted seven passes. Five went for completions totaling 26 yards. The other two were intercepted, sending Sumrall back to Jones.
Jones threw for 172 yards in relief and scored Florida’s only touchdown on a 2-yard run. He also threw an interception and lost a fumble. The Gators managed a season-low 246 yards in the 27-8 loss, and Sumrall pointed to the pressure Georgia generated as a problem either quarterback would have faced.
On Monday, Florida listed an “or” between Philo and Jones on its depth chart for the first time this season. Sumrall declined to name a starter and said he wanted both quarterbacks ready to play. Philo has thrown for 1,367 yards and nine touchdowns in seven starts.
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