Florida wide receiver Bailey Stockton met with reporters Monday as the Gators began preparing for their Week 2 matchup against Campbell.
Stockton reflected on catching a touchdown from longtime friend and high school teammate Aaron Philo in Florida’s 45-point win over Florida Atlantic. The Georgia Tech transfer also discussed their relationship, his recovery from last season’s injuries and the work that led to his memorable debut in The Swamp.
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He also touched on Florida’s emphasis on perimeter blocking, Jadan Baugh’s performance, the competition within the receiver room, and the offense’s potential moving forward.
Here’s everything Stockton had to say.
What did you see on your 12-yard touchdown reception against FAU?
I lined up in the wing. I saw man coverage, and I was like, “I have a shot here.” Then Aaron kind of hesitated a little bit, and he gave it to me. It was a good feeling. It was a good feeling getting in the end zone.
When was the last time you and Aaron Philo connected for a touchdown?
It had been three years. Three years since high school.
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What was it like sharing that moment with Philo?
It was awesome. When we were coming off the field, he came up to me and was like, “We came a long way from Bogart.”
I was like, “Yeah.” He said that on the field, and it just hit home, to be honest with you.
How would you describe Jon Richt’s influence on the two of you?
He’s been awesome — probably more for Philo than me, just because he’s a quarterback guy. He was at the game Saturday. He was on the field, and it was really good to see him. He played a big part for both of us.
Where does your ability and willingness to block come from?
I think that comes back to Coach (Trent) McKnight. He always preaches, “Just chase the ball,” and always finish blocks. You don’t want your guy to make the play, ever. You can create explosive plays by not having the ball in your hands as well.
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Were you and Philo a package deal when you transferred to Florida?
It really wasn’t, to be honest with you. I think it was more of a separate deal, but it all worked out. I’m just thankful I’m here.
How long have you and Philo known each other?
We’ve known each other since we played baseball when we were maybe 12. Middle school, early middle school.
Did the two of you connect as friends early on?
Yes, sir, we did. We always connected. We always went fishing and golfing and did all that. Then, when we started playing football together, and I started playing receiver, it really started to get going after that.
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What position did you play in baseball?
I played center field.
How much did Florida’s perimeter blocking improve during fall camp?
The two biggest things that we pride ourselves on are being explosive and perimeter blocking. We put perimeter blocking up there with being as explosive as we are. Coach McKnight, Coach (Marcus) Davis and Coach Faulkner put a big emphasis on that. If you want to play, you’ve got to block.
What technical adjustments did you have to make as a blocker?
For me, it was just understanding the play and understanding where the ball is trying to hit. I feel like I’ve gotten really good at that because I’m not the biggest guy, obviously. I’ve got to use a certain type of leverage and understand the plays to block.
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What did Philo do well during his first start at Florida?
He just looked comfortable. He trusted the game plan and trusted the line. I just think he’s a baller, and when you get on a stage like that, that’s when he’s going to shine.
What is Philo’s demeanor like in the huddle?
He’s confident. You can ask anybody that. He’s confident, and he’s demanding. That’s what you want as a quarterback.
Has coming to Florida made Philo better?
Yeah. I think, for one, being in a college town is nice. We’ve talked about that a lot, with the area of Gainesville and the love and passion from the fan base. That’s been great.
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Did you see anything new from Philo against FAU?
No. He’s been doing that for as long as I’ve known him — junior varsity, middle school.
What kind of confidence does having Jadan Baugh in the backfield give the offense?
He’s the best back in the country. You saw that last Saturday. If you have him in the backfield, you’re going to win a lot of football games.
Does the competition in Florida’s receiver room motivate you?
I just want to be the best player for me. Early on when I was in college, I tried to compare myself to other people. As things started to get going, it was always just trying to improve yourself. Once I started to do that, I got better at the game.
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How important was the offensive line’s performance to Baugh’s success?
It helps him a lot. This morning, we were watching tape, and there were some guys getting put on the ground left and right by the line. They played their butts off all day.
When did you realize you were faster than everybody else?
Probably middle school. I think the game started to get faster in high school, and then in college, I really took the weight room seriously and tried to get faster.
What happened during the offseason race?
I wasn’t ready for it. I’ll just say I wasn’t ready for it. If you know, you know. We had about five guys on the line, and I was thinking it was going to be like, “Ready, set, go.” But it was just, “Go,” and I got off the line badly.
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Is there video evidence of the race?
Yeah. Buster made sure to show me that one.
Will the video ever see the light of day?
No, sir.
What is Buster Faulkner’s greatest strength as an offensive coordinator?
I think he wants to get the playmakers the ball, and he knows how to use everyone. Everybody’s good at different things, and he knows that. I think that’s just what he does great, to be honest with you.
What did you see when Eric Singleton Jr. was injured on the opening drive?
It sucks, too, because he had a really good block on the play, if you actually saw it. It sucks for him, and he’s going to come back ready to go.
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What did you think of the way TJ Abrams stepped up after Singleton’s injury?
He did awesome. On his second play, it was a deep ball, right? TJ has worked his butt off, and I’m proud of him, for sure.
How would you describe yourself to an opposing scout?
Relentless. Just always going — competitive, to be honest.
Was the FAU performance only the beginning of what Florida’s offense can become?
Yeah, I think so. Everyone in that room knows that we’ve got a lot to clean up. Once we clean that up, we can be really, really good.
How validating was it to score after your injury struggles last season?
It felt like a dream come true, to be honest with you. I felt like all the work I put in, right when I scored, it all came rushing to me. It was awesome, really.
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How does Florida’s nutrition program compare with what you had at Georgia Tech?
We had a full-time nutritionist at Georgia Tech. I would say it’s awesome here. I’ll just say that. They probably put more emphasis on it here, and I’ve taken advantage of that.
What nutritional changes have helped you the most?
For me, it was more about having more carbohydrates. I think I was good for a couple of snaps, and then I just got tired. I’ve been eating a lot more carbs and drinking more fluids. I put a big emphasis on that this offseason.
What have you seen from Kahleil Jackson during his recovery?
K’Jax is awesome. Even in the summer, he had the summer award for summer workouts. He’s a baller. We call him “Unc.” He’s awesome.
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How much more can Faulkner open up the offensive playbook?
A lot of things. Buster’s always going to create some new matchups and all that. I can’t really speak on all of it, but there’s definitely some more in the toolbox, for sure.
How does Florida’s offense grow without becoming overly complex?
Honestly, it’s, “Here’s the picture. Go out and execute.” Sometimes there are going to be different plays that we draw up per game, but it’s really just our job to get better at what we do.
Do you miss returning punts?
I did it at Georgia Tech for a year or a season and a half, so I’ve got some good experience back there. If they throw me in, I’m confident to go out there. I’m just ready to go if they put me out there.
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How confident are you that Harrison Moore and the offensive line will correct their mistakes?
He works his butt off. He was out there working today. He’s a baller, and he’s one of those guys that you want on the line. He’s the leader of the line, so I’ve got no issues with that.
Can putting mistakes on film in Week 1 help the team improve?
Coach Sumrall said in the team meeting this morning that the best improvements come from Week 1 to Week 2. I think we’re going to do that this Saturday, for sure.
What memory stands out from your first game in The Swamp?
Ninety-(thousand)-plus has got your back. Right when we ran out of the tunnel, we had that team prayer, and you could just feel the energy. It was awesome.
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Did your family attend the game?
They did. My dad, my mom, my aunt and uncle. My aunt and uncle grew up Florida fans, so they’ve been to games. It was the first time for my dad and the first time for my mom. They thought it was awesome. Yeah, they loved “Won’t Back Down.”
What was it like participating in “Won’t Back Down” for the first time?
It was awesome. It was funny because Buster was addressing the offensive staff that me and Harp were dancing when we were supposed to be in the huddle. We were just out there dancing toward the hash.
But he said, “Don’t do that again.”
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Main Headline — 64/70Bailey Stockton savors reunion with Aaron Philo in Florida debut
Front Headline — 64/70Week 2 quotes: Bailey Stockton reflects on TD reunion with Philo
Page Title — 61/70Florida WR Bailey Stockton Week 2 quotes before Campbell game
URL Ending — 60/100florida-football-bailey-stockton-week-2-quotes-campbell-game
Brief — 135/150Bailey Stockton discussed reuniting with Aaron Philo, scoring in his Florida debut and the Gators’ offensive potential entering Week 2.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Bailey Stockton reflects on special touchdown from Aaron Philo
