Today, we will continue to discuss the left side of the line, with a look at the left guard position. The Left Guards in 2009 will have to fill in Jim Tartt’s shoes. There will be a new starter at guard, but he will not be lacking any experience, as he has seen action in a good amount of games in 2008. Who will be starting at Left Guard in the upcoming season for the Florida Gators? Continue on reading to find out.

Going into the new season, Sophomore James Wilson is set to begin his 2009 season as the starting Left Guard. Wilson has a good frame, standing at 6’5”, 320lbs. Prior to being a Florida Gator, he was ranked the #1 offensive guard and #2 ranked overall player coming out of high school. Just because this will be his first year officially being the starter, he has seen action in 10 career games, after red shirting as a freshman. Last season against the Citadel, Wilson had his best effort of the year, and was named the best linemen after the game as the Gators went on to destroy the Citadel. Besides football, Wilson has had past experience as a basketball player for his high school, and also being a state weightlifting qualifier in 2006.

Backing up James Wilson is Maurice Hurt. The red shirt Junior has seen action in 16 games, and started 1 game back in 2007. In his first game in 2008 against Kentucky, he helped the Gators’ rushing attack total 214 yards. In his only start, the Gators rushed for 246 yards against Ole Miss. It seems that when he plays, the Gators don’t miss a beat, which is a great thing to have with your backups. Coming out of high school, Hurt chose Florida over SEC schools Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State and Big 12 Oklahoma. Going into 2009, Hurt may not see a lot of action, at least as a starter, but he should be able to help relieve James Wilson occasionally and enter the games early in the season when Florida is crushing teams.

Florida’s situation at Left Guard is not one to worry about. James Wilson should be fine as a starter, as he has had great success in his high school days and I expect him to continue that success in 2009. It is great to have a reliable backup, and Maurice Hurt is certainly a reliable backup. He can enter games and give Wilson a break without the Gators worrying that he will mess up. Be sure to check out tomorrow’s preview of the Center position.