Florida Gators Wrap Up Spring Practice No. 10

Head coach Jon Sumrall provides updates on injuries, standout players, and a visit from former coach Ron Zook.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in shades of orange and blue, representing the dynamic action and energy of a Florida Gators football practice.The Gators' spring practice session showcases the team's evolving identity, with new faces and fresh energy shaping the program's future.Gainesville Today

The Florida Gators held their 10th spring practice, with head coach Jon Sumrall recapping the team's first scrimmage and providing injury updates. Sumrall highlighted the progress of the tight end group, including transfers Luke Harpring and Lacota Dippre, as well as the return of former Gators head coach Ron Zook to the practice field.

Why it matters

Spring practice is a crucial time for the Gators to evaluate their roster and identify areas of strength and weakness ahead of the upcoming season. Sumrall's comments on the tight end group and the visit from Zook provide insight into the team's development and the program's connection to its history.

The details

Sumrall said the Gators' first scrimmage of the spring was a good opportunity to elevate the physicality and see which players can make plays in a live setting. He highlighted the performance of redshirt freshman cornerback Ben Hanks III, who had an interception, as well as running back Duke Clark, defensive linemen Brendan Bett, DK Kalu, and LJ McCray, and defensive back Kanye Clark. At tight end, Sumrall said Georgia Tech transfer Luke Harpring has quickly stood out as the most 'all-around' player in the group, while redshirt sophomore Amir Jackson has been a 'pleasant surprise' as a blocker. Lacota Dippre was described as 'super physical,' while Evan Chieca is versatile but needs to continue improving his technique.

  • The Florida Gators held their 10th spring practice on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • The team's first scrimmage of the spring took place on Saturday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Jon Sumrall

The head coach of the Florida Gators football team.

Ben Hanks III

A redshirt freshman cornerback who had an interception during the Gators' first spring scrimmage.

Luke Harpring

A transfer tight end from Georgia Tech who has quickly stood out as the most 'all-around' player in the Gators' tight end group.

Amir Jackson

A redshirt sophomore tight end who has been a 'pleasant surprise' as a blocker.

Lacota Dippre

A transfer tight end from James Madison who is described as 'super physical.'

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What they’re saying

“Lot of good work. We're going to be pretty physical the rest of the way out to make sure this team's getting all the reps we need to get to continue to improve. From a physicality and toughness standpoint, a lot of work to be done.”

— Jon Sumrall, Head Coach

“I think sometimes we can use that as a crutch, saying, 'Hey, this person has experience in the offense.' Here's the deal. Harpring has been very coachable. That's one thing I've enjoyed and you can coach them hard.”

— Evan McKissack, Tight Ends Coach

What’s next

The Gators will continue their spring practice schedule, leading up to the annual Orange and Blue spring game on April 12, 2026.

The takeaway

The Gators' 10th spring practice provided encouraging signs for the tight end group, with transfers Luke Harpring and Lacota Dippre emerging as potential impact players. The team's first scrimmage also highlighted the development of several young defensive players, setting the stage for an intriguing remainder of spring camp.