Florida football's fourth spring practice sees physicality, QB battle and more

Florida football held its fourth practice of the spring on Tuesday, March 10, at the Sanders Practice Fields.

In all, the Florida Gators will hold 15 practices, culminating with the spring game on April 11 at The Swamp (noon, TV tbd).

It was UF's second practice in pads and the physicality showed on the field, which included a dust-up between senior safety Alfonzo Allen Jr. and edge rusher Titus Bullard.

New Florida football coach Jon Sumrall said his biggest concern early in spring practice is consistency in both physicality and execution. Sumrall said the practice ended with red zone and third-down offense drills.

"I'm a little uncomfortable because we're so far away from where I want us to be," Sumrall said. "I'm a little on edge … we can't be casual, we can't be complacent, lethargic. We have to be urgent and fiery and passionate and we've got to compete every day."

Former Florida coach Steve Spurrier attended practice, along with former Florida defensive coordinator and Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops.

Here are three takeaways from the open portion on practice:

Florida football begins practice working on special teams

Florida began practice with work on special teams, with Tulane transfer kicker Patrick Durkin connecting on one of his first three field goal attempts in the indoor facility.

The Gators then turned to punt return drills, with receiver Vernell Brown III, running back Evan Pryor and receiver Jaylen Lloyd returning punts.

Florida football quarterback competition continues

Redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. and Aaron Philo continued their quarterback competition in week two with passing drills to running backs, tight ends and receivers.

The 6-foot-0, 199-pound Jones made one of the best throws of the day, hitting Brown in stride on a deep, corner sideline route. Philo, meanwhile, was solid on short and intermediate throws.

Sumrall said Philo had a strong practice on Saturday.

"He had zip on the ball, timing, anticipation," Sumrall said. "He was accurate, delivered catchable footballs, made good decisions."

Florida football injury update

Florida football defensive tackle Joseph Mbatchou did not practice and was wearing a boot on his left foot in a non-contact jersey. Freshman defensive lineman Jareylan McCoy also was out with a boot on his left leg. Defensive end Kamran James continued to practice

Defensive end Kamran James (shoulder) and cornerback Dijon Johnson (knee) also were working out in non-contact jersey. Wide receiver Dallas Wilson (foot) was not practicing.

Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!” — a hardcover coffee-table collector’s book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Three takeaways as Florida football holds fourth spring practice under Jon Sumrall