Max Brown Shines in Gator Football Fan Day Practice
- Brenden Martin
- Aug 6, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 7, 2023
It was like old times at The Swamp for me.
After a long absence from Florida football practice, I attended the first open session of the 2023 season at the University of Florida's Fan Day — only as a media member.
As a trained videographer and photographer, my storytelling is usually done through moving pictures and stills. But Saturday’s practice prompted me to share some observations.
Firstly, the weather was pleasant in The
Swamp, overcast, but not as hot as anticipated, making it truly a great day for football. Attendance was unexpectedly low, however, with only a few thousand die-hard fans present in the stands.
As a member of the press corps, we were limited to shooting at specific times, affording me the opportunity to observe and take notes. Having covered many home and away games over the past 25 years, I've developed a keen sense of size from the sideline perspective.
Echoing Head Coach Billy Napier's remarks, the Gators appear larger this year, particularly on defense. Watching Jason Marshall Jr. in the secondary was a highlight, indicative of a more bulked-up defense.
Austin Armstrong's enthusiasm as the new defensive coordinator is impressive. His vocal commands, instruction and ability to energize the defense are encouraging signs, especially considering the Gators' defensive struggles last season.
The day's most significant revelation was the performance of redshirt freshman Max Brown, who took second-string QB snaps from the outset. The 6'2 multi-sport athlete from Oklahoma demonstrated quickness and reactivity, with several notable passes early in the scrimmage. His style, reminiscent of a young Bernie Kosar, may well position him as second-string on the depth chart.
“Max has made improvement,” Napier said of Brown. “I think he’s a classic example of a really good athlete and just started playing quarterback a couple of years in high school.”
Brown's accurate throwing and his ability to execute quick passes are crucial to Napier's offense, characterized by short throws and frequent runs.
Napier also noted that Brown "has come along nicely," and his work ethic has impressed both the staff and players this summer.
Though unconfirmed, the early signs indicate that Max Brown could be next in line if Graham Mertz is unavailable. His performance Saturday certainly felt like a strong affirmation of that possibility, with several weeks left to see how it all unfolds.
The practice also revealed broader changes in the Gators' approach to the season, particularly on defense. Observations from the sideline showed a commitment to renewed strength and tactics, aligned with Napier's vision for the team. The evident improvements in size and skill have fostered optimism for the coming year.
Overall, the practice offered a promising glimpse of what's to come for the Gators. The blend of veterans and young talents, such as Brown, seems to resonate well. With the new defensive strategies under Armstrong and Napier's emphasis on athleticism and hard work, there's a strong sense of anticipation for the upcoming season.
The University of Florida's Fan Day turned out to be more than a casual practice; it was a window into the evolving dynamics of a team hoping to reclaim its place in college football.
Check out the live show with Buddy and I where we talk all about yesterday's practice on our new YouTube channel. Lots of special offers coming only for GatorBait members! Giveaways and discounts on future merch! Let's Go Gators 🔗👇 Make sure you subscribe to get all the updates!
Great read Brenden
Nice column Brendan.
great observations-thanks for sharing