Secondary players back and other takeaways from Florida football fall camp

Florida football held its seventh practice of fall camp on Thursday at the Sanders Practice Fields.

In all, the Florida Gators will hold 17 practices over 22 days in camp to prepare for the 2024 season, which opens Aug. 31 against Miami (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC).

"These are the days that really test your intangibles," Florida football coach Billy Napier said. "They present opportunity to develop the intangibles of the team. Just the attitude and the energy and the focus. Our ability to show up and push the envelope and try to grow."

In all, Florida is playing 11 of 12 of its games in 2024 against power conference opponents and eight games against teams ranked in the US LM Preseason Top 25 coaches poll.

The Gators will hold their first intra-squad scrimmage on Saturday at The Swamp, which is not open to the public.

Here are three takeaways from the open portion of camp:

Florida football secondary players back healthy

Florida has a number of players in the secondary back healthy. Safety Asa Turner (shoulder), cornerback Devin Moore (abscessed tonsil) and cornerback Ja'Keem Jackson (lower body injury) all fully participated after they were in black jerseys in Tuesday's practice.

Defensive back Trikweze Bridges, battling for the star position, came up with a nice interception during Thursday's drills.

Offensive lineman Fletcher Westphal (mono) and Caden Jones remained in black jerseys. Running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (knee) was on the field on a black jersey for a second straight time this week, walking around and watching running back drills.

Florida football WR Marcus Burke continues strong camp

Florida redshirt junior wide receiver Marcs Burke continued his strong camp, making a nice one-handed grab during passing drills. Burke is competing for playing time with Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger as UF's third wide receiver behind projected starters Eugene Wilson III and Kahleil Jackson. There were a handful of drops from wide receivers and tight ends during passing drills.

Analysts on field helping Florida football special teams

Per new NCAA rules, special teams analysts Joe Houston and Chris Couch have both been on the field throughout camp, providing direct instruction.

Napier said it's helped with special teams execution throughout camp.

"Kind of take the gloves off of coach Couch and Houston and let them do their thing," Napier said. "It’s been great to see them do what they love to do. I think the players appreciate it because now they get, not only, are those guys helping them play and everything and have great input but now there’s immediate feedback on the spot."