Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Safety R.J. Moten started 10 games a season ago at Michigan. The Wolverines open the 2023 season ranked No. 2 in the preseason USA Today Sports/AFCA Poll.

Of course, Moten is no longer in Ann Arbor. He transferred to UF in the spring and the fourth-year junior is vying for a starting role with the Gators.

Moten spoke with reporters after Wednesday's practice for the first time since transferring into the program his father, Ron Moten, played for in the 1980s.

Moten adds a veteran presence to Florida's revamped and youthful roster.

"I got two rings and I've been in the playoffs,'' Moten said of his Michigan career. "I was one play away from a national championship last year and I think, you know, just being able to bring that experience and that knowledge on what it takes to get to that level, because not everybody has been there. To be able to bring that to a team where that's the end goal, I think that will help out a lot."

Moten is competing with a safeties group that includes Miguel Mitchell, Kamari Wilson, Jadarrius Perkins, true freshman Jordan Castell and former receiver Ja'Markis Weston.

Considering where Michigan is ranked, coupled with the rebuilding theme in Gainesville, Moten was asked why he transferred to Florida.

He is used to the familiar curiosity.

"I've got that question a lot,'' he said. "It was a tough decision. It was hard. I kind of waited until the last minute to do it, but I think that it was the best decision for me and my family."

To watch Moten's complete press conference, check out the video below:


  

---

SCRIMMAGE TIME

The Gators hold their first scrimmage of preseason camp on Thursday afternoon at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as they continue to prepare for the Aug. 31 season opener at Utah.

The availability and/or roles of several players remain uncertain following Wednesday's practice.

Based on media reports from the open period, offensive lineman Micah Mazzccua was in a full-contact jersey Wednesday and spent time at right guard. Mazzccua (shoulder) has been in a non-contact jersey in camp and played left guard at Baylor. Meanwhile, true freshman Knijeah Harris worked for a stint at left guard as the Gators continue to sort out the offensive line with veteran Richie Leonard IV, who has played both guard spots in his career, not fully participating Wednesday.

Other players limited on Wednesday according to various media reports: LB Shemar James (lower body), DB Jaydon Hill (undisclosed), LB Scooby Williams (undisclosed), S Miguel Mitchell (undisclosed), OL Caden Jones (undisclosed), WR Caleb Douglas (undisclosed), CB Jason Marshall Jr. (undisclosed), OL Lyndell Hudson II (concussion protocol), TE Jonathan Odom (undisclosed), TE Arlis Boardingham (undisclosed), TE Dante Zanders (undisclosed) and RB Treyaun Webb.

It's not unusual at this point in camp for players nursing bumps and bruises to receive a light day ahead of a scrimmage.
 

---

CHECKING IN ON UTES

The biggest question mark surrounding No. 14 Utah entering the season opener is whether quarterback Cam Rising will be available when the Gators pay a visit.

Rising suffered a knee injury in the Rose Bowl that required reconstructive surgery. He has been limited in preseason camp and said this week he's "feeling as normal as I've been in a while, so that's just a positive right there."

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham is keeping it close to the vest in regard to Rising's status for the Gators. He said this week that if Rising is not 100 percent, that there will be decisions to make. In Florida's 29-26 win over Utah in the 2022 season opener at The Swamp, Rising finished 22 of 32 for 216 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He added 91 yards rushing on seven attempts. Gators linebacker Amari Burney picked off a Rising pass in the end zone in the final seconds to clinch the upset for Florida in Billy Napier's first game as the UF head coach.

Redshirt freshman Brandon Rose is the favorite to start if Rising can't go against the Gators.
 

---

EXTRA POINTS

Condolences to Jeff McGrew and his family. McGrew is the UF football team's director of equipment and has been with the program nearly 20 years. Greg McGrew, Jeff's father, passed away unexpectedly during the first week of preseason camp ... Congratulations to football staffer Jordan Herald, a familiar presence the past few years who has been promoted to director of creative media and social strategy ... The Gators received 63 points in the preseason USA Today Sports/AFCA Poll, which puts them No. 28 overall ... UF head coach Billy Napier is one of seven Southeastern Conference coaches voting in the poll this season.