When the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic was announced in 2020, the game initially attracted the attention of several nationwide. This was especially the case because of the powerful Florida offense facing Oklahoma’s emerging defense. As the kick-off approaches, however, some of the seduction is lost. Why? The Gator’s loaded unit received big hits for opt-outs. If so, fans will wonder who the next guy is?
First it was Kyle Pitts who moved in. The country’s best tight end made the expected decision to prepare for the NFL draft. Then it was a wide receiver Trevon Grimes who joined Pitts to do the same. Next was Kadarius Toney, the versatile playmaker of the Gators who followed suit. After all this, another big announcement was made when it became widespread Jacob Copeland let him know he will be absent due to the positive testing of COVID-19. Although these are big losses, there are players on the rankings who have the ability to fill in.
In the end, there are two names to know. Kemore Gamble has already proven itself in previous action. Against Georgia, he had three receptions for 51 yards and gave up an attack. This effort was much needed at the time, as Pitts came down with an injury. Gamble again made a similar impact when Pitts had to miss the Vanderbilt game. The Commodores challenged the Gators early on, but Gamble’s three catches for 66 yards and two scores helped secure a victory. With Gamble it will be Keon Zipperer. His best game of the year was against Arkansas, where he dragged three catches for 47 yards and two touchdowns.
There are quite a few names that can wait with a wide receiver in the wings, but here are a few. Start with the obvious: Justin Shorter. The former Penn State transfer had high expectations of entering the collegiate level as a five-star recruiter, but needed a fresh start. He received it in Florida and showed encouraging progress in his new home. On the year, Shorter scored 246 yards on 23 receptions and three touchdowns. At 6 feet and 225 pounds, he is a large body that will be a challenge for the Sooners’ secondary encounter. Another big-frame receiver could use the Cotton Bowl as a springboard for his collegiate career. Xzavier Henderson is a true 6-year-old 4-foot, 191-pound freshman waiting for an event like this. Someone with a unique combination of size and speed, learned the game while waiting behind the big names above. Now, with the current situation, the young scope can prove how effective he can be. Finally, red shirt senior Rick Wells is definitely one that is noteworthy. As a veteran of the program who has played in at least nine games over the past three seasons, Wells’ experience is needed in an environment like this.
Do not forget about the Gators’ backs. Florida has a stable of ball carriers that can easily shape the direction of the passing game. Take Nay’Quan Wright for example. While facing Georgia, he scored three catches for 71 yards. Then, against Kentucky, he had five receptions for 40 yards. Finally, in the most recent outing against Alabama, Wright had three catches for 27 yards. However, if Wright is not there, the Gators have a legal threat from the backfield in Malik Davis. The red shirt junior running rugby has more yards (358) than chasing (279) in 2020.
Although the Gators will be without a large portion of their offensive contributions, there are still members of the team who can deliver plays. With star quarter Kyle Trask what lies ahead, you never know what can be achieved. Maybe this Cotton Bowl stage is exactly what these players need to create their own level of stars. The Seconders of Sooners will soon realize this as they face a whole new challenge.