Zero Looking Ahead!

SPORTS
FOOTBALL
GATORS TO WATCH
BY: COBY SERINA
BILLY NAPIER (HC) - This isn’t the start that Billy Napier was hoping
for to begin his tenure with the Gators, but the SEC is a solid jump
having previously coached in the Sun Belt Conference at the University
of Louisiana. That being said, Napier has yet to tap into his unlocked
potential. With the Warhawks, Napier saw three consecutive ten or more
win seasons and left with a 40-12 record overall. Ten wins is now out of
reach for the Gators, but that doesn’t mean they can’t beat the Dawgs in
the always throw-the-stats out environment of Jacksonville.
BILLY NAPIER
HEAD COACH
PHOTOS BY: ISABELLA MARLEY/UAA
COMMUNICATIONS
MONTRELL JOHNSON JR. (RB) - Following head coach Billy
Napier over from the University of Louisiana, running back Montrell
Johnson has done nothing but stunned in his short time in The Swamp.
He ranks top 10 in the SEC in rushing yards with 425 on just 59 attempts;
his rushing efficiency at 7.20 yards per carry is one of the best in the
conference putting him just behind Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs. Together
he, fellow back Trevor Etienne and his quarterback Richardson make for a
dangerous Florida running game.
ANTHONY RICHARDSON (QB) - Albeit it hasn’t been the season
Anthony Richardson’s camp was hoping for six games in, but regardless you
can’t deny the sheer athleticism of this guy. It’s his first year starting under a
new head coach in one of the most competitive college football leagues in
the country. Despite his sometimes struggles, he’s still managed to amass
over 1,300 passing yards and almost 400 on the ground. Look for AR to
provide a spark once his name is called in Jacksonville.
JUSTIN SHORTER (WR) - Justin Shorter is one of the most explosive
receivers in the SEC. He is second in the conference in yards per reception
at 22.5. Any time he sees the ball you can expect it to go for a chunk play.
On top of that he’s also 7th in the SEC in total receiving yards having
collected 405 to this point in the season.
MONTRELL JOHNSON JR.
RUNNING BACK
PHOTOS BY: TIM CASEY/UAA COMMUNICATIONS
AMARI BURNEY (LB) - Playing off-ball linebacker, Amari Burney
has been one of the Gators’ biggest playmakers so far this season. In the
statistical categories it’s easier asking what he hasn’t done. He has 44 total
tackles, 4 sacks, 1 pass deflection, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble.
Unlike Cox, Burney is often seen in coverage and deployed all over the
field because of such.
BRENTON COX (LB) - This one’s a must see. A Georgia native and
former Bulldog turned Gator is now a leader on the rival team and has put
up a number of sacks and tackles playing at the defensive end position.
He’s only found his way to the quarterback twice this season, but Coach
Smart has said in the past it’s common to gameplan around sacks. If
anyone’s gonna put his hands on Bennett, it’ll be Cox.
ANTHONY RICHARDSON
QUARTERBACK
PHOTOS BY: COURTNEY CULBREATH/UAA
COMMUNICATIONS
JASON MARSHALL JR (CB) - Only a sophomore, Jason Marshall
has already amounted three pass deflections, and while that may not
seem like a lot, to put into perspective Georgia’s Kelee Ringo only has two
this season. Regarding the cornerback position, the less stats the better.
It just shows he’s not being targeted because more likely than not he’s
getting the job done in coverage. Marshall has earned a starting spot over
an entire roster of SEC corners as just a second year.
BY JEFF DANTZLER
A cornerstone of the Gators 2006 and 2007 national
championship teams, Al Horford has enjoyed a stellar
NBA career, five times an NBA All-Star, four times
with the Atlanta Hawks.
One of the great players in Florida history, three time
Pro Bowler Wilber Marshall was a stalwart on a pair of
Super Bowl title-winning teams - the 1985 Bears and
Washington in 1991.
Steve Spurrier is the greatest Gator, winning the
Heisman Trophy in 1966 and then coaching Florida to
six SEC championships and the 1996 national title in
his 12 years at the helm.
BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 18 ISSUE TEN • FLORIDA