Before Spring practice began, first-year head coach Jim McElwain said it’s impossible to replace a player of Dante Fowler’s caliber.
Logically, that makes sense.
Fowler, who declared for the 2015 NFL Draft as a junior and is projected to be a top-five draft pick when April 30 rolls around, is an absolute monster of a player who managed to record 34 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and 14.5 sacks in three years while being double-teamed on a regular basis.
But during those three years where he was leading Florida's pass rush and slamming quarterbacks into the ground with relative ease, Fowler was also training his protégé in Alex McCalister, prepping him to take over when Fowler’s collegiate career came to an end.
Now, it’s McCalister’s turn, and the redshirt junior has all the tools he needs to be just as good — if not better — than Dante Fowler was at UF.
"I know with Dante being gone, that’s what everybody’s saying, ‘Oh shoot, 14’s gotta step up,’" McCalister said. "That’s what’s going to happen."
McCalister’s coaches have done nothing but rave about him during the first three weeks of Spring practice.
Defensive line coach Chris Rumph calls him the Energizer Bunny, citing his non-stop effort on every play and his intense energy anytime someone on the defense makes a big play.
McElwain said his spirit is contagious and his work ethic pushes his fellow linemen to step up their game.
"I love the way he plays the game," McElwain said. "He’s got some unique pass-rushing ability."
McCalister’s main advantage is his size. The Clemmons, North Carolina, native stands at 6-foot-6 and has a 7-foot-2 wingspan, perfect for helping push away from offensive linemen and wrapping up players before they get out of reach.
He’s quick off the snap and brings energy and excitement every time he steps up to the line of scrimmage.
And after last season, he finally has the stats to prove his value.
In 12 games as Fowler’s backup, McCalister tallied eight tackles for loss and six sacks — a team-high before Fowler sacked East Carolina quarterback Shane Carden three times in Florida’s 28-20 Birmingham Bowl victory, which gave Fowler 8.5 on the season.
"He always had that motor," McCalister said of Fowler. "He’s always going, no matter what. When it’s football time, it’s time to go, it’s time to click."
Now, it’s McCalister’s turn to turn on the motor, rev up the engine and wreak havoc on the opposing offense.
"When it’s time for ball, it’s time to go play," McCalister said.
And he will.
Follow Jordan McPherson on Twitter @J_McPherson1126
Alex McCalister and Dante Fowler Jr. celebrate an Eagles turnover during the Florida's 65-0 win against Eastern Michigan on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
