Florida Turns to Tramell Jones After Philo’s Rough Start
Florida replaced quarterback Aaron Philo with Tramell Jones during its game against Georgia on October 31, after Philo threw two interceptions. Coach Jon Sumrall said he has not decided who will start next.
Philo started for Florida against Georgia after recovering from a shoulder injury that had kept him out of the Gators’ win over Texas. He played three drives before Jones entered in the second quarter, with Georgia leading 10-0. Philo completed five of seven passes for 26 yards and threw two interceptions.
Jones threw for 172 yards and ran for a touchdown after taking over. He had led Florida to a 27-24 victory over Texas, completing 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
Sumrall said Philo had performed better in practice during the week, prompting the staff to give him most of the first-team repetitions. Jones was also managing an injury that kept him out for much of the bye week; Sumrall said it could require offseason surgery. Philo, meanwhile, was healthier after his shoulder problem.
The coach said the first interception was a costly mistake, but added that Florida’s offensive problems also included dropped passes, receivers lining up or running routes incorrectly, and difficulty controlling the line of scrimmage. He said neither quarterback had done enough to secure the starting job, and that he wanted to keep both in contention.
Florida plays Oklahoma next. Sumrall said he would start the quarterback he believes gives the team the best chance to win. The Gators entered the Georgia game with a 5-2 record.