Billy Napier calls freshman Gators QB Tramell Jones ‘buzz-worthy’

The play of true freshman Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones in preseason practice not only has impressed teammates but it has grabbed the attention of the man in charge of the program.

“I think it’s buzz-worthy. Yeah, that’s what I would say,” Gators coach Billy Napier said Monday following practice. “Tramell Jones is buzz-worthy.”

According to Napier, Jones, a former 4-star recruit from Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin, has gotten extended reps with players high on the depth chart in camp while starter DJ Lagway is modified with a calf injury.

“I think [Jones] has gotten more reps with the first and second units,” Napier said. “I think we’re dividing those reps up amongst those three players (Jones, Harrison Bailey and Aidan Warner]. Initially, he wasn’t taking any. And then obviously, we’ve increased the reps as he has done more and proven that he’s capable.”

Napier added this when speaking about he race to be QB2 behind Lagway: “All three of those guys are competing against each other for that job. … I think it’s every day, it’s day and day, and we’ve got plenty of time to figure it out.”

Tramell Jones had an ultra-productive high school career

The 6-foot, 203-pound Jones was flip last fall from Florida State. He finished his high school career 451-of-760 passing for 7,197 yards, 75 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. In 2023, Jones had his best season when he completed 60.6 percent of his pass attempts for 3,195 yards, 33 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

But in Week 2 of 2024, he sustained a broken fibula and torn ligaments in his left leg and missed the rest of the season. Jones enrolled at UF in January but still was limited during spring practice in March and April.

“He obviously was injured when he got here and then limited in the spring,” Napier said Monday. “He’s back to being 100 percent now. I think he did a nice job at the scrimmage [last Saturday]. I think he made some plays with his feet, he made some off-schedule plays.”

While Jones has impressed thus far, much work remains ahead.

“Still got to operate much quicker, got to process quicker, communicate better, under the gun and the play clock, his ability to manage the problems as they arise—all those things need to improve,” Napier said. “But throws a really good ball, he’s very accurate, he’s got arm talent, and I think he’s a smart kid.”