Georgia-Born Gator: Reports Say Aaron Philo Will Start Against Georgia
GAINESVILLE — Aaron Philo is expected to lead Florida into Saturday's rivalry game against Georgia, according to Friday reports from CBS Sports and The Associated Press.
CBS Sports, citing a source familiar with the decision, reported that Philo will return as the starter after a throwing-shoulder injury. The Associated Press separately reported the same decision while noting that coach Jon Sumrall had not made it public.
That distinction matters. Florida's SEC availability reports earlier in the week listed both Philo and backup Tramell Jones Jr. as questionable. Friday's reporting is not the same as a formal Florida announcement, and GatorBait will update this story if the Gators issue one or release a new availability designation.
Philo, No. 12, gives Florida a Georgia-born quarterback for the rivalry's first move to Atlanta. The 6-foot-1, 207-pound junior from Bogart, Georgia, is in his first Florida season after transferring from Georgia Tech, according to the Gators' official roster.
In six games, Philo has completed 105 of 149 passes for 1,341 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions, according to Florida's official statistics.
A shoulder injury kept him out of Florida's 27-24 win at Texas on Oct. 17, when Jones made his first career start. Jones completed 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns without an interception, leaving Florida with a tested contingency if the injury picture changes.
No. 17 Florida (5-2, 3-2 SEC) meets No. 3 Georgia (6-1, 4-1) at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday on ABC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It is the first Florida-Georgia game played in Atlanta while Jacksonville's EverBank Stadium undergoes renovation.
The rivalry long known as the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party is temporarily moving indoors, but not losing any of its temperature. For Florida, the reported quarterback decision puts a Georgia-raised Gator at the center of it.
Watch: The Buddy Martin Show
Earlier this week, The Buddy Martin Show took on the quarterback question Friday reporting now addresses.
Archive photo by Chris Spears, GatorBait Media.
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