Sumrall Names Aaron Philo as Gators' Starting Quarterback vs. FAU

GAINESVILLE, Fla.-- The Florida Gators now have an expected starting quarterback for the Sept. 5 season opener against FAU. Redshirt sophomore transfer Aaron Philo will be receiving the "lion's share" of first-team reps, head coach Jon Sumrall announced on Monday.

Philo beat out returning second-year Tramell Jones Jr. for the position. Sumrall informed both of the decision on Sunday afternoon, less than 24 hours after the team's second scrimmage of fall camp.

"There will not be some crazy, big hoopla around in our building. It's just how we're moving forward," Sumrall said on Monday. "... Both are awesome. Both fully understand and see where we are in the competition. I'm excited about the room. The good news is both of them have elevated their play.

"Love both of them, fired up about both of them, and grateful for both of their approaches as we've gone through this."

Florida quarterback Aaron Philo (12) beat out Tramell Jones Jr. (9) to be the team's starter. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Philo transferred to Florida after two seasons at Georgia Tech, following offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner from Atlanta to Gainesville. While he was ahead of Jones Jr. from a mental understanding of the offense, the two were in a 50-50 battle throughout the offseason.

Sumrall admitted both have grown, and Faulkner has previously stated they can win with either quarterback. However, Sumrall said Philo's ability to operate the entire offense gave him the edge.

Philo received the bulk of the first-team reps in the first scrimmage and had a zero-turnover effort with a rushing touchdown in Saturday's scrimmage — an improvement after throwing an interception in last week's scrimmage.

"Tramell has improved a ton, but I still think we're able to operate the full offense at a little bit higher level right now with Aaron, with the whole package," Sumrall said. "And so, that's probably the biggest separator."

Sumrall also admitted that despite Philo being the starter as of now, it is not a permanent decision. Jones Jr. has been praised for his competitiveness, arm strength and ability to quickly learn Faulkner's offense. He threw two touchdowns in last week's scrimmage but had multiple turnovers on Saturday.

"I also talked to both those guys about; to Aaron, 'Hey, this is not an anointing.  Like, it's not some permanent, you're just a starter forever, because you gotta keep playing good,'" Sumrall said. "And for Tramell, it's not like you're being relegated or demoted and forgotten. Like, this is not fatal. I believe in Tramell Jones. Like I'm a believer, I'll go to battle with that dude."

Jones Jr. will receive some first-team reps in practice, Sumrall said, but that Philo will receive the "lion's share" of reps.

Florida will have a mock game week this week before turning the page next week with FAU coming to the Swamp. Kickoff on Sept. 5 is at 7:45 p.m. Sumrall said he believes the team will rally behind both Philo and Jones Jr. as the season gets closer.

"I think the guys will rally around them, I really do," Sumrall said. "We got good locker room chemistry and culture.  We need to keep it there."

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