GAINESVILLE — Quarterback Aaron Philo will start for the Gators during Week 1 against Florida Atlantic.
Coach Jon Sumrall said Philo’s abillity to run the offense more consistently proved the difference in the battle for the job with Tramell Jones Jr.
Philo, a redshirt sophomore, arrived from Georgia Tech after spending the past two seasons with new Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner.
“There’s no surprise to that in spring because he’d been in the system, and Tramell had not,” Sumrall said. “Tramel has improved a ton, but we’re able to operate the full offense at a little bit higher level right now with Aaron. So, that’s probably the biggest separator.”
Sumrall said Jones will continue to handle some first-team reps, but Philo will “get the lion’s share.”
He also will have to continue to perform at a higher level.
“This is not an anointing,” Sumrall said. “This is not permanent. You’re not a starter forever because you got to keep playing good.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com