Florida Set to Start Tramell Jones Against Oklahoma

Tramell Jones Jr. is expected to start at quarterback for No. 25 Florida when the Gators host Oklahoma on November 7. It will be Jones’ second career start. Florida has not formally announced its starter, but Jones took most of the first-team practice repetitions this week.

On Monday, Coach Jon Sumrall would not identify the starter, while adjusting the depth chart to list the quarterbacks with an “or” between their names. He said a plan for the position was already underway.

Sumrall benched starter Aaron Philo during Florida’s 27-8 loss to Georgia on November 1, after Philo threw two interceptions. Jones entered in the second quarter and also had two turnovers; a third was erased by a penalty.

Jones’ pass completion rate is 70.8%, totaling 579 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions; he has also gained 77 yards on the ground and scored once. In his last start, against Texas last month, he completed 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He was filling in for Philo, who was out with a shoulder injury. Sumrall later indicated Jones’ injury could call for surgery during the offseason.

Philo has completed 70.5% of his passes for 1,367 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions, with 103 rushing yards and three scores. Sumrall has pointed to Florida’s struggling offensive line as a factor complicating the quarterback decision, saying the pressure made it difficult to assess which player gave the Gators a better chance against Oklahoma. Florida is 5-3 overall and 3-3 in the Southeastern Conference; Oklahoma is 4-4 and 2-3.