Florida quarterback Aaron Philo met with reporters after leading the Gators to a season-opening win over FAU on Saturday night.
Philo discussed how comfortable he felt in Buster Faulkner’s offense, his connection with several former high school teammates, and the experience of making his first start inside the Swamp. He also shared his thoughts on Florida’s 66-point performance and his chemistry with the Gators’ play-caller.
The redshirt sophomore also praised Jadan Baugh’s playmaking ability, reflected on his touchdown passes to Bailey Stockton and Vernell Brown III and explained how Florida’s running game helped open opportunities through the air.
Here’s everything Philo had to say.
How fulfilling was it to find an early rhythm and score 66 points in your debut?
I think the coaches put together a great game plan for me to get settled
in and for the whole offense to get settled in. I think we came out playing fast, and ultimately we kept that up. There are corrections we have to make, but we’ll continue to get better and come out and play again next week.
What was it like sharing the backfield with Jadan Baugh?
Unbelievable. Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it. The dude is unreal. To have him in the backfield with me, he’s a weapon. He really is. When you can hand the ball to him, it allows us to open up the passing game as well.
What stands out most about Baugh?
Just breaking the tackles. I don’t know how many tackles he broke tonight. I can’t even count.
Was there a specific moment when everything came together for you?
I came into the day feeling really confident. We had been preparing for these guys for the last two weeks. I felt like I prepared really well and prepared a lot for these guys. That allows you to come out and play with confidence. I think I was able to do that from the start.
Which impressed you more: the deep ball to TJ Abrams or finding Duke Clark after scrambling?
I don’t know. The go ball was pretty cool.
Did you share a moment with Harrison Moore or Luke Harpring during the game?
I think we were locked in pretty much throughout the whole game. But when “Won’t Back Down” started playing, that was pretty cool. I think we came together and had a little moment there.
How much did your chemistry with Buster Faulkner help the offense run smoothly?
I think being with him over the past two years — and I guess now three years — allows me to play confidently. I can expect what is going to be called. He does a great job preparing us so we can go out there and play with confidence.
How much fun was the game for the offense?
It was awesome. It was unreal. We had a blast out there.
When did it feel real that you were Florida’s starting quarterback?
Honestly, I don’t know if it has hit me yet. I try not to make the game bigger than it is. At the end of the day, it’s just football, and you’ve got to go out there and play the game. But I will say it is pretty cool.
How special was it to throw a touchdown to Bailey Stockton?
It was pretty cool, man. I saw him in the end zone, and it’s just cool. We came from high school, and now we’re playing here in The Swamp. To throw a touchdown and throw it to Bailey, we’ve done it so many times. To do it again, this one was pretty cool.
What was it like making your first start in front of the fans in The Swamp?
It was awesome to have that many fans behind you and cheering for you. It allows for a great atmosphere. They bring the energy, and it was awesome.
How did The Swamp compare with the other environments you have played in?
The Swamp, I think everybody knows, is just different. When you run out in front of 90,000, it’s just different. The fans are awesome. They bring a lot of energy. It was unreal.
What did you see on the touchdown pass to Vernell Brown III?
It was awesome. The nickel fired, and I knew I had a chance to spit it out there to VB. That’s what I talk about all the time. You get the ball to those guys in space and let them make the plays.
Did playing alongside Baugh in a live game match the expectations?
Honestly, like I said earlier, it was unreal. I haven’t seen anything like it.
How important is your running ability after scoring a rushing touchdown?
It was awesome. It definitely felt good. They took away all the other options, so you’ve got to tuck it down and run sometimes.
The offensive line played great all night. They played their butts off. When you’re able to do that, it gives us great success.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Aaron Philo details winning debut as Florida's starting QB
