Florida expected to start Tramell Jones at Texas; final decision Saturday

Florida is expected to start Tramell Jones Jr. at No. 7 Texas on Saturday while Aaron Philo deals with a shoulder injury, On3’s Pete Nakos reported Friday. A final decision is still expected Saturday morning.

Jones has taken first-team practice reps this week while Philo has been limited. Kickoff is at noon ET on ABC. Philo has not been ruled out.

The sophomore has never started a college game. In five relief appearances this season, he has completed 23 of 29 passes for 252 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, according to Florida’s official preview.

Philo injured his throwing shoulder in the October 10 loss to South Carolina. The Orlando Sentinel’s Edgar Thompson reported that Philo was listed as questionable on the Wednesday and Thursday SEC availability reports after doing some throwing in practice.

Coach Jon Sumrall expressed confidence in Jones earlier in the week. Florida has lost its past two games, to Missouri and South Carolina. The Gators enter 4-2 overall and 2-2 in the SEC; Texas is 4-1 and 1-1.

The Longhorns are also coming off a loss, to Oklahoma. Florida’s trip to Austin starts a stretch that continues against Georgia, Oklahoma and Kentucky.

Sources

Florida’s expected quarterback change · Florida’s official Texas preview and quarterback statistics · Orlando Sentinel’s Edgar Thompson reports on Florida’s quarterback uncertainty