Florida football held its third fall practice of fall camp on Friday, Aug. 7, at the Sanders Practice Fields.

The Florida Gators will hold practices the next four weeks in preparation for their season opener on Sept. 5 at The Swamp against Florida Atlantic (7:45 p.m., SEC Network).

First-year coach Jon Sumrall is continuing to conduct practices in the morning as UF will work out four days in a row to start camp.

“The guys that were here previously, then went through the spring, and got the format of the morning practice schedule, seemed to really enjoy it,” Sumrall said. “And it felt like, you know, we got the best of their day in regard to waking up, being fresh and ready to go. And so we’re going to continue that. And also, I think late in the week it helps you in-season maybe be fast and fresh on Saturday, which is kind of important.”

Florida ratcheted up contact a bit with blocking and tackling drills but isn’t in full pads yet.

Here are three takeways from the open portion of practice:

Florida football QB battle ongoing

Florida football quarterbacks Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. throw short, intermediate and long routes as they continued to battle for the starting quarterback job.

Philo’s best throw came on a wheel route to running back Jadan Baugh in which he hit Baugh in stride. Jones connected with tight end Amir Jackson on a nice deep throw down the sideline.

Sumrall said there is “no timeline” on making the quarterback decision. Philo, a redshirt sophomore, is a transfer from Georgia Tech who played under new Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. Jones, a redshirt freshman, backed up DJ Lagway last year.

Florida football WR Dallas Wilson, DE Kam James work out on side

Florida wide receiver Dallas Wilson, who said earlier in the week he was 100 percent after dealing with lingering foot issues, didn’t take part in live passing drills. Wilson worked out on the side on the JUGS machine, catching passes.

Also working out with trainers at the indoor training facility is senior defensive end Kam James, who tied for UF’s lead in sacks with 3.5 last season.

Freshman safety Kaiden Hall and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Jahari Medlock also worked out at the indoor facility with trainers.

Fletcher Westphal working out with Florida football OL

Redshirt sophomore Fletcher Westphal (6-8, 309 pounds) worked out with Florida football offensive lineman during drills.

Westphal is battling with Emeka Ugorji and Eagen Boyer for the starting job at left tackle.

Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – As a St. Johns County man faces a first-degree murder charge in the shooting death of his wife in St. Augustine Shores, the case is prompting questions about end-of-life decisions — and what Florida law does and does not allow when people use terms like “assisted suicide.”

News4JAX spoke with local attorney Gene Nichols, who is not affiliated with the case, about the legal landscape in Florida and how it compares to other states.

Nichols said Florida does not have a medical assisted-suicide law, and he said consent documents or statements don’t create legal protection for someone who helps cause another person’s death.

He also pointed families to legal options centered on care and support — including hospice and crisis resources — especially for caregivers who feel overwhelmed.

Nichol’s spoke generically about the law and its application in the state, but it comes just days after the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office says William Albert Lippold, 91, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder with a firearm in the death of his wife, Mary Lippold, 87, at their home on Como Court in St. Augustine Shores.

According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, the couple’s son called 911 to report a shooting. Deputies arrived, called Lippold and his son out of the home, and the report states Lippold told deputies, “It’s not complicated, I shot my wife.”

Detectives also wrote that Lippold told them his wife was blind, had Alzheimer’s, and that he was her sole caregiver. The report says he told investigators he had promised never to place her in a nursing home.

Nichols said more than a dozen states have some form of doctor-supervised medical aid in dying, but he said those laws are tied to medical oversight and specific requirements — and he emphasized Florida does not have a comparable statute.

He said in Florida, the legal focus for families is on medical providers, hospice care, and support resources for caregivers.

Court records show Lippold is being held in the St. Johns County Jail and no bond has been set. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office says the Major Crimes Unit investigation is ongoing.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7.

You can also find a list of local suicide prevention resources at this link.

Insider Brief

• Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business is launching an eight-week certificate course focused on helping business professionals understand and evaluate quantum computing opportunities.
• The “Quantum Computing: Business and Sourcing Strategy” program will cover quantum applications, technology providers, sourcing strategies, and organizational adoption planning.
• The course follows FAU’s announcement that it will become the first university in Florida to host an on-site quantum computer.

Press release – Florida Atlantic University’s Executive Education program in the College of Business is launching a new certificate course in quantum computing designed to help business professionals understand, evaluate and strategically prepare for one of the most transformative emerging technologies shaping the future of enterprise.

The eight-week course, “Quantum Computing: Business and Sourcing Strategy,” provides participants with a practical understanding of how quantum computing is advancing beyond research environments and beginning to influence business strategy, technology investment and organizational decision-making.

Through the program, professionals will explore how organizations can assess quantum opportunities, identify potential business applications, develop sourcing strategies, and establish frameworks for responsible adoption and governance of quantum capabilities.

The certificate program comes just months after Florida Atlantic announced it will be the first university in Florida to host a dedicated quantum computer on site.

“FAU’s decision to launch this course reflects a convergence of several important trends, including the growth of high-tech industries in South Florida and the university’s commitment to preparing business leaders for emerging technologies that will shape the future economy,” said Daniel Gropper, Ph.D., dean of FAU’s College of Business and Kaye Family Professor. “Quantum computing represents a significant evolution in how we think about technology and problem-solving, and this program gives professionals the opportunity to better understand its potential, evaluate its business applications and explore how organizations can strategically prepare for what comes next.”

Led by informational technology experts, the certificate course is designed for business leaders, technology professionals and decision-makers seeking to understand the strategic implications of quantum computing without requiring a technical background in quantum science.

“Business leaders do not need to become quantum engineers, but they do need the ability to recognize where transformative technologies may create opportunities or risks for their organizations,” said Mehran Basiratmand, Ph.D., director of innovation and programs in the Department of Information Technology and Operations Management. “Through case studies, industry examples, and hands-on exposure to emerging quantum platforms, this course gives professionals the foundation to ask the right questions and make more informed technology decisions.”

Over the course’s duration, participants will examine the fundamentals of quantum computing, explore real-world business applications, evaluate technology providers and develop strategies for integrating quantum capabilities into organizational planning. The certificate program emphasizes practical decision-making, equipping professionals with the knowledge needed to engage with technology teams, vendors, and stakeholders as quantum computing continues to evolve.

As organizations across industries prepare for rapid advances in technology, Florida Atlantic’s Executive Education programs provide professionals with opportunities to build relevant skills, expand strategic capabilities and remain competitive in an increasingly data-driven economy.

To register for the course, visit here.