GAINESVILLE — Florida could be without starting quarterback Aaron Philo Saturday at No. 7 Texas because of a shoulder injury suffered during last Saturday’s loss to South Carolina.
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Philo threw some during Wednesday’s practice, a source told the Orlando Sentinel, but he will be listed as questionable on the SEC’s initial availability report released in the evening.
If Philo is sidelined, sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. would make his first career start for the Gators (4-2, 2-2 SEC) against the Longhorns (4-1, 1-1).
After leading the Gators to a 4-0 start and posting a 182 passer rating, ranking third in the SEC, Philo has been less productive and efficient during consecutive double-digit losses.
Against South Carolina, he committed two turnovers, beginning with an interception the Gamecocks turned into a touchdown for a 17-10 lead. Later, star edge rusher Dylan Stewart forced a Philo fumble with 12:58 remaining and Florida trailing 31-13 at the Gamecocks’ 17-yard line.
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On Tuesday, offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner otherwise praised Philo’s performance a week after his struggled during Florida’s 45-17 loss at Missouri.
“He really played within himself other than a couple plays,” Faulkner said.
Back-to-back losses have led to calls for coach Jon Sumrall to give Jones the starting nod.
Florida scored four touchdowns in 24 possessions during the losses. Jones led Florida to late touchdowns in both games, but had an interception himself against South Carolina.
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Edgar Thompson can be reached at [email protected]