Florida freshmen could see playing time this week

The Florida freshmen who played briefly in a game or two at the start of the season, but not since, may have a chance to reintroduce themselves to Gator fans over the final three games of the season.

With the new redshirt rule that allows a player to play in any four games in a season and still redshirt, there are 10 true freshmen who can play in the last two or three games without losing a year of eligibility.

So, the plan is to get some of those guys playing time over the last three games if they’re ready for it.

Their opportunity is enhanced by the fact the Gators have concluded SEC play and there are no longer restrictions on how many players can dress for, and play in, a game.

For SEC home games, teams can dress 95 and only play 80. Teams can only dress 70 for league road games.

“This type of game, right now, in our next three games, this is an opportunity for guys to go play, because you’re not limited on who can dress,” UF coach Dan Mullen said. “In SEC games, you’re very limited on the number of guys that can play in a game within all the rules. The next three games, we don’t have those limitations on us, so there’s going to be more opportunities for those guys situationally to get into a game, whether it’s special teams or whatever the situation is.”

Six true freshmen have already played in more than four games and cannot redshirt. They are: safety Amari Burney (nine games), cornerback Trey Dean (10 games, six starts), safety John Huggins (five games), kicker Evan McPherson (10 games), running back Dameon Pierce (10 games) and tight end Kyle Pitts (eight games).

The following true freshmen can play in two or three of the remaining games and still redshirt:

Chris Bleich, OL — He played in the Charleston Southern and Colorado State games, but hasn’t seen the field since. UF has been trying to build depth along the offensive line this fall, and Bleich is a guy who has shown he can compete. He may have a chance to do it in games the rest of the way.

Andrew Chatfield, DE/OLB — He hasn’t seen the field since playing in the opener. He’s one of the highest-rated members of the freshman class and is expected to compete for significant playing time in the spring. Playing some in these last three games might be a good starting point.

Iverson Clement, RB/DB — He hasn’t played since the opener. He’s an excellent athlete who could see playing time on special teams over the next three games.

Jacob Copeland, WR — This four-star prospect is back to full speed after injuring his knee early in preseason camp. He’s behind in terms of knowing the offense, but could get his first playing time at some point in the final three games.

Richard Gouraige, OL — Offensive line coach John Hevesy said Gouraige is a tackle who has really started coming on in recent weeks. Seeing playing time the rest of the season could set him up to compete for a possible starting role in the spring.

Emory Jones, QB — Jones played in the opener and in the Georgia game, so he’s going to play in two of the last three games. The question is, which two will it be? The feeling is he could see extensive playing time against Idaho on Saturday and then again in the bowl game. But that decision has not been made yet.

Dante Lang, TE — He played in the opener, but with all the depth at tight end, there’s been no real opportunity for him to possibly get in the playing rotation.

Malik Langham, DE/OLB — One of the highest-rated prospects in the class, Langham hasn’t played since the opener, mainly because of all the experienced and proven players in front of him. There’s a good chance he’ll get some reps in the final three games, then compete for a possible starting role in the spring.

Griffin McDowell, C — Lack of depth is an issue at center, and he could figure prominently in the near future. He hasn’t seen the field since the opener, but could see playing time again, his best chance probably being Saturday.

David Reese, LB — Baby Reese played in the opener, but not since. With the lack of depth at linebacker, there’s a chance he could get in the playing rotation and possibly see time on special teams. in the final three games.