Florida names Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo starting quarterback for season opener

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida will start quarterback Aaron Philo in the team’s season opener against Florida Atlantic on Sept. 5, coach Jon Sumrall said Monday.

“We are preparing for him to be the starter for Week 1,” Sumrall said.

Philo, a 6-foot-1, 207-pound junior from Bogart, Georgia, edged Tramell Jones Jr. in a competition that began in the spring and carried into fall camp. The Gators held their second of two scrimmages Saturday, and Sumrall made the announcement two days later.

Philo seemingly had an advantage from Day 1, partly because he spent the last two seasons with Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. Philo followed Faulkner to Gainesville from Georgia Tech. Philo served as Haynes King’s backup and appeared in eight games.

He got his first college start last year against Gardner-Webb and completed 21 of 28 passes for 373 yards, with a touchdown and an interception.

Philo arrived at Florida in January and worked to reshape his body. Since he knew the offense, he spent much of spring and summer working on timing and chemistry with a receiving corps that includes Vernell Brown III, Micah Mays, Eric Singleton Jr., Bailey Stockton and Dallas Wilson.

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