Florida Quarterback Aaron Philo to Start Against Georgia
Philo returns from shoulder injury to lead No. 17 Florida against No. 3 Georgia in SEC rivalry game.
No. 17 Florida will start quarterback Aaron Philo against third-ranked Georgia on Saturday in the Southeastern Conference rivalry known as "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party." The decision was confirmed by a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on Friday. Coach Jon Sumrall had not yet made the choice public.
Philo and backup quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. had both been listed as questionable leading up to the game in Atlanta. Both players split repetitions in practice throughout the week, with Sumrall indicating that the decision would depend on "health and availability."
Philo had previously sat out Florida's victory against then-No. 7 Texas on Oct. 17 due to an injured throwing shoulder. He sustained the injury to his right shoulder during a tackle late in a home loss to South Carolina the week prior. Despite the injury, Philo traveled with the team to Austin, Texas, and served as the emergency quarterback behind Jones and Aidan Warner.
Jones, starting in Philo's absence, became the first Florida quarterback since Jesse Palmer in 1997 to win his first career road start against a top-10 opponent. He completed 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions in that game. Jones also added 41 rushing yards on 10 carries.
"I’ve said the whole time I think we can win with either guy," Sumrall stated regarding his quarterbacks. Sumrall had previously declined to offer specifics on Jones' injury, only mentioning that he had sustained "a couple of bumps and bruises" following the win over Texas.
Florida is also expected to have wide receiver Vernell Brown III back for Saturday's game. Brown had missed the previous three contests while recovering from a sprained right knee, an injury he suffered during a home win against then-No. 4 Mississippi on Sept. 26. He had been listed as probable.
The Gators are anticipated to be without wide receiver Bailey Stockton and linebacker Jaden Robinson, both of whom were listed as doubtful for the matchup.