Despite touting a young linebacker core, this Gators unit has a chance to turn some heads. With the loss of Shemar James to the NFL, the Gators will turn to some young talent. Expectations are high in Gainesville after the hot finish to the season. Carrying that into the offseason, head coach Billy Napier recruited well. This is a team on the rise, with young playmakers on both sides of the ball. Defensively, the Gators took strides last season. More often than not, the defense has been subpar the last few seasons. After a rough start to the year, they seemed to flip a switch after their first bye week. From then on, this has been a respectable unit, especially when it comes to rushing the passer. With an impressive defensive line and talented secondary, the linebackers must carry their weight to ensure a successful season.
Season Hinges on Linebackers?
Gators linebackers
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SEC Experience
An interesting storyline last offseason revolved around linebacker Grayson “Pup” Howard. Coming out of high school, he chose South Carolina over the Gators in a tight recruiting battle. However, after his freshman season, he changed his mind and transferred to the University of Florida. After an impressive off-season, he earned the starting role and had a respectable season before going down with an injury. Starting and playing in the first nine games, he totaled 37 tackles, one sack, and two fumble recoveries. Always around the football, he was a bright spot on the Gators’ defense early in the season. Now coming off an injury, he will be looking to retain his starting position. One of the oldest players in this young position group, he will be tasked with leading this unit. This position group played valiantly when Howard missed time, showing that he will have all the support he needs.
Ready for the Starting Role?
When Howard went down, freshman Myles Graham came in and contributed instantly. The son of Gator great Earnest Graham, he has been a Gator since day one. Appearing in all 13 games, he racked up 30 tackles, one sack, and an interception. Adding one forced fumble and 2.5 tackles for loss, he certainly filled up the stat sheet. Playing his best football at the end of the season, fans are high on the rising sophomore. With Shemar James’ departure opening a starting role, Graham is ready to slide right in. Playing well when he was called upon, he showed that the lights were not too bright. If Florida wants their defense to continue the upward trend, Graham will have to prove himself. He showed he can play in the SEC, but can he help captain the linebacker unit?
Wildcard
A highly recruited linebacker from the state of Maryland, Gators fans were thrilled when Aaron Chiles committed. Seeing action in all 13 games as a true freshman, he was mostly utilized on special teams. Totaling 22 tackles, he did see limited linebacker snaps and even notched his first career sack. Now entering his sophomore season, he should be a contributor on this defense. The Gators are relatively young at the linebacker position, and there is certainly space for his skill set. Listed at 241 pounds, he has all the tools a team would want at the linebacker spot. Seeing more playing time as the season progressed, he was able to get a feel for SEC football. Competing for playing time, he has a chance to be a contributor from the first whistle. If he does not win the starting job, he will be a strong rotational player for this young core.
Expectations Rising
A name not mentioned enough for the Gators is Jaden Robinson. The rising junior had an impressive season in the Orange and Blue. Starting the last four games of the year, he showed he was not intimidated by the high level of play. Robinson tallied 52 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3.5 tackles for loss. Recording two sacks against Florida State, he got into a rhythm as the year finished up. Now with two seasons of experience, he should be ready to take a big step forward. As mentioned, the Gators have a relatively young linebacker core. Robinson has a chance to pave the way for this unit, as he has seen what it takes to win in this conference. With four players fighting for starting roles, the Gators are in good shape. Look for Robinson to continue his upstart play even if he is not the day one starter.
Final Thoughts
The Florida Gators’ defense has finally begun to show real improvements. For the last few years, this defense struggled mightily with both its mentality and physicality. After turning a corner, expectations are rising for the 2025 season. The offense will be in good hands with sophomore DJ Lagway at the helm. Supported by talented skill position players, this should be one of the better offenses in the SEC. Defensively, it could come down to the production of this linebacker unit. The defensive line has already proven itself to be talented, especially with the returning production. The secondary also has its fair share of playmakers, both at safety and corner. This means all eyes will be on this unproven linebacker unit. Young but talented, the Gators’ season could hinge on their ability to navigate the field.
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