When the 2020 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic was announced, the clash initially drew the attention of several across the country. This was the case specifically because of Florida’s powerful attack against Oklahoma’s growing defense. However, as the game approached, part of the attraction was lost. Because? Gator’s loaded unit suffered major blows to give up. So, if that is the case, fans will wonder who the next man is?
First it was Kyle Pitts who gave up. The best tight end in the country made the expected decision to prepare for the NFL Draft. So it was wide receiver Trevon Grimes who joined Pitts to do the same. The following was Kadarius Toney, the versatile ace of the Gators who followed him. After all this, another big announcement was made when Jacob Copeland that it is known that he would be absent due to the positive test for COVID-19. While all of these are big losses, there are players on the list who have the ability to fill.
In the tight end, there are two names to be known. Kemore Gamble it has already been proven in previous action. Against Georgia, he had three receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. This effort was very necessary at the time, as Pitts had suffered an injury. Gamble made a similar impact once again when Pitts was forced to lose Vanderbilt’s game. The Commodores challenged the Gators at the start, but Gamble’s three receptions for 66 yards and two scores helped ensure victory. Working together with Gamble will be Keon Zipperer. His best game of the year was against Arkansas, where he managed three receptions for 47 yards and two touchdowns.
There are a few names that could be waiting behind the scenes on the wide receiver, but here are a few. Starting with the obvious: Justin Shorter. The former Penn State transfer had high expectations of entering the university level as a five-star recruit, but needed a fresh start. He received this in Florida and showed encouraging progress in his new home. In the year, Shorter has 246 yards in 23 receptions and three touchdowns. At 1.80 meters and 225 pounds, he is a great body that will be a challenge for the Sooners secondary to find. Another large receiver can use the Cotton Bowl as a springboard for his university career. Xzavier Henderson he is a true six-foot-five-inch, 191-pound freshman who is waiting for an opportunity like this. Someone with a unique combination of size and speed, he is constantly learning the game while waiting behind the big names above. Now, with the current situation, the young man left can prove how impactful he can be. Finally, senior redshirt Rick Wells certainly worth mentioning. A veteran of the show who has played at least nine games in the past three seasons, Wells’ experience will be needed in an environment like this.
Don’t forget the Gators’ running backs. Florida has a group of ball carriers who can easily define the direction of the passing game. Take along Nay’Quan Wright for example. While facing Georgia, he recorded three receptions for 71 yards. Then, against Kentucky, he had five 40-yard receptions. Finally, in the most recent match against Alabama, Wright had three receptions for 27 yards. If Wright is not there, the Gators have a legitimate threat outside the defense field in Malik Davis. The junior redshirt running back has more receiving yards (358) than running (279) in 2020.
So, while the Gators will be without much of their offensive contributions, there are still team members who can make moves. With star quarterback Kyle Trask leading the way, you never know what can be accomplished. Perhaps this Cotton Bowl stage is just what these players need to create their own level of stardom. The Sooners secondary will soon discover this while facing a new challenge.