GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- For the first time really all season, Florida finally experimented with some different combinations up front on the offensive line.

The unit has struggled to generate consistent push in the run game through the first four games of the season, with the Gators unable to run the football at will. There have been subtle signs of improvement, but UF's coaching staff also appears to be searching for the best combinations.

On Saturday, redshirt freshman lineman Richard Gouraige played extensively, seeing time at both tackle and at left guard.

"One was I was trying to create and make sure we have that depth on the offensive line and there's times we want to get guys in," coach Dan Mullen said. "You know John (Hevesy), we talk about not getting guys in enough. Richard's got flexibility, so you could put Richard on the field now right now and it actually gives you those six guys; you can create several different combinations."

Mullen only feels comfortable with about six right now, and Hevesy has said previously he'd like to have eight guys he can count on to go in and start at any point.

But the note about perhaps not getting younger guys in enough is an interesting one; Hevesy expressed similar regret last year ahead of the Peach Bowl, saying he wished he had gotten Stone Forsythe more game reps in 2018.

It's tough to shuffle those younger linemen in there when the game is on the line.

"It’s just going at a different speed during the course of the games," Mullen said. "And you know, it’s also the variables. I mean you look at where we’re at and you try to simulate as best you can at practice, it’s just not going to be the same simulation with the speed, the quickness, the size and the physicality within the run game in practice right now with our O-line going against the scout D-line."

So in some sense, those game reps are absolutely vital in creating the kind of experience and confidence necessary to have a unit that runs as a well-oiled machine. One of Florida's challenges is that going into this year, virtually no one outside of center Nick Buchanan and guard Brett Heggie had any legitimate game experience.

Thus, the Gators had been heavily focused on letting the five starters gel as a unit through the first three games. The group remained out there even when backups came in against UT-Martin in a blowout.

Mullen, though, realizes the value of building some key depth. There's also the off chance things just click for one of the younger players in a game and you find yourself with an upgrade.

"Right now there are six that we feel really good about and we're still working on getting the younger guys developed and ready to go," Mullen said. "We'll see. Obviously you want that for depth and for purposes to get through the rest of the year. Hopefully we will be able to stay healthy. Those guys are forced on the field are ready to go. There are a bunch of guys fighting for those spots to get out there."

The good news now is that Florida's comfortable with Gouraige. And given his flexibility, along with Heggie's ability to play either guard spot and Forsythe's ability to play either tackle spot, the Gators have some options.

"One guy can replace four other guys," Mullen said. "Now he might not be able to (by himself), he's not going to go play all four of those spots (but) he can go replace those guys. And Richard's obviously done a really great job, really talented young player for us that I think has a great future. I really wanted to get him going, get him out there on the field and get him playing for us."