Harrison Moore has drawn Jake Slaughter comparisons as Florida’s offensive line takes shape

There’s plenty of uncertainty about how Florida football’s offensive line will look this coming season.

But the biggest question is how the Gators will replace the leadership of decorated center Jake Slaughter. The longtime starter was a two-time All-American and two-time finalist for the Rimington Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s best center.

Now, Florida is turning to Georgia Tech transfer Harrison to fill those sizable shoes.

Even though Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo and sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. are in the middle of a quarterback battle, there’s been plenty of praise for Moore’s abilities.

“It gives me Jake Slaughter vibes a little bit just because of the way he carries himself, his leadership,” said Jones, who played with Slaughter last season. “You see him; we work out in the morning, in the summer, and you see him up here at 3 o’clock getting perfect snaps, making sure he’s perfect.

“That’s something everyone sees, and that’s something that we’re going to follow and then just him up front, how physical he is, how smart he is. That’s someone that’s Jake Slaughter vibes.”

Moore was named to the 2026 preseason Rimington Trophy watchlist but has yet to play a full season at center.

The Southlake, Texas, native played tight end in high school and then transitioned to offensive line in college. At Georgia Tech, Moore took snaps at center last year, which saw him flip between guard and center.

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Philo recognized Moore’s leadership ability along with Penn State transfer TJ Shanahan Jr., who made five starts at guard.

“(Moore’s) got a dog mentality, there’s no other way to put it,” Philo said. “He’s a trench warrior. He’s going to give it everything he’s got every single play, and TJ Shanahan as well.

“Those two guys have really pushed everybody in the room, and they’re out there every single day getting snaps after practice, and they were doing that even before practice — like, throughout the whole summer they were getting snaps. They’ve really worked their butt off. Those guys are going to get everything they work for.”

Overall, both quarterbacks noted how the offensive line has come together on and off the field.

“I think they’ve grown tremendously,” Jones said. “How physical they are, how detailed they are and then how close they became as a group, just seeing them together around the facility, seeing them outside the facility, just eating; I’m going to a restaurant, I’m seeing three or four guys hanging out with each other — that’s something you want to see, and they can be able to work together and jive as one.”

Reach Florida Gators writer Andrew Abadie at AAbadie@usatodayco.com or on X (formerly Twitter) at @AndrewAbadie. You can also find him on Facebook at Andrew Abadie Sports Reporter or on Instagram @andrewabadie_sports.