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On Saturday, Florida faces a tricky game against Florida Atlantic (2-8). It should be a blowout, but there’s a chance the Gators may play down to the level of competition, especially with Florida State waiting next week.
Let’s take a look at 5 impact players on the teams.
1. Florida RB Jordan Cronkrite — If things go as planned, the backup may get a heavy dose of carries to keep starter Kelvin Taylor from getting banged up for the Florida State game. Last week against USC, Cronkrite had six carries for 24 yards and two catches for 49 yards and a touchdown.
2. Florida TE Jake McGee — The senior has become a favorite target for QB Treon Harris. With FAU expected to stack the box to force the Gators to throw, Harris may turn to McGee, who should find room in the middle of the field. Harris is comfortable throwing short and McGee has been a dependable receiver with 31 catches for 268 yards and three TDs.
3. Florida CB Jalen Tabor — Though he doesn’t receive the attention given to standout standout Vernon Hargreaves III, the sophomore cornerback is talented and plays with the kind of cockiness and swagger suitable for the position. Tabor recorded pick-6s against Missouri and East Carolina and added another interception last week against South Carolina.
4. Florida Atlantic QB Jacquez Johnson — Though freshman Jason Driskel has gotten regular playing time, the senior has taken the majority of the snaps. Johnson has throw for 1,356 yards with eight TDs and four interceptions. He’s also rushed for 227 yards and one TD.
5. Florida Atlantic WR Jenson Stoshak — The top receiver, Stoshak has 46 receptions — double as many as the Owls’ second-leading receiver — for 680 yards and two TDs. A former walk-on, the senior is one of the team’s captains.
Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.
