Florida names Tramell Jones Jr. starting quarterback for Saturday
The Gators will switch back to the backup who won their last road game against Texas after Aaron Philo was benched in the loss to Georgia.
By Sarah Reynolds ·
Tramell Jones Jr. will start at quarterback for the 25th-ranked Florida Gators when they host Oklahoma on Saturday night in Gainesville. A person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press that the coaching staff has made the change. CBS Sports initially reported the switch from Aaron Philo to Jones.
The Gators have not officially announced the starter yet. Coach Jon Sumrall spoke on Monday and declined to name the player. He did adjust the depth chart to include the word “or” between the two quarterbacks. Sumrall said he has a plan that is already in motion.
The decision follows the Gators' 27-8 loss to Georgia in Atlanta last Saturday. Philo threw two interceptions during the first quarter. Sumrall replaced him with Jones in the second quarter. Jones committed two more turnovers during his time on the field, and a third was negated by a penalty.
Sumrall said the offensive line has been porous, making it hard to determine which quarterback gives the team a better chance. The Gators are 5-3 overall and 3-3 in the Southeastern Conference. Oklahoma is 4-4 overall and 2-3 in its conference.
“I don’t know if Tom Brady was our quarterback on Saturday if it would have helped us,” Sumrall said. “And I’m not trying to be a smart aleck. He would have been under too much duress and pressure to operate.”
Jones has completed 70.8 percent of his passes for 579 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also has 77 rushing yards and a score. He won his first career start at Texas last month while filling in for Philo, who had a shoulder injury. Philo has completed 70.5 percent of his passes for 1,367 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions.
