Under the gaze of 68 personnel from all 32 NFL teams, 13 Gators returned to Gainesville for Florida Football’s 2026 Pro Day. Looking to garner more looks from professional staffers and improve their draft stock following the NFL Combine, players decided which drills to partake in as they navigated the showcase.
After size measurements, players had the option to participate in drills like the vertical jump, bench press, broad jump and 40-yard dash before moving into the shuttle and 3-cone. They then finished their day with on-field position workouts.
Most notably, Caleb Banks, George Gumbs Jr., Devin Moore, J. Michael Sturdivant and Jake Slaughter spoke to the media about their Pro Day experience and how their draft process has gone thus far.
Caleb Banks:
While he was the only Gator to not physically participate in Thursday’s Pro Day due to injury, defensive lineman Caleb Banks was arguably the most active player in terms of energy exuded. With his foot in a brace and his knee resting on his mobility scooter, Banks loudly cheered on all of his teammates as they went through the numerous drills.
"I know that if I was out there doing drills, I know they'd be supporting me," Banks said. "I know you need somebody in your corner standing for you, being excited for, even if you just run. So I'm happy for those guys going out there, doing their thing. Hopefully, everybody's dreams come true.”
Despite his injury, which Banks stated was a re-aggravation of the broken fourth metatarsal bone that kept him out for a majority of the 2025 season, the 6-foot-6 lineman is a hot commodity for NFL teams.
Banks revealed he already has taken top 30 visits with the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals. He also has visits scheduled with the Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers and his hometown Detroit Lions.
Currently, Banks is listed as the No. 32 player on Pro Football Focus’ predictive draft board. But he is not worried about his draft stock or his eventual slot. He just wants to get back on the field.
“I'm blessed to go wherever I go," Banks said. I don't care where it is. XFL, NFL, I don't care. I want to get off this damn scooter and go play football.”
George Gumbs Jr.:
Defensive lineman George Gumbs Jr. returned for Pro Day following his 31-tackle season in 2025 and measured in at just under 6-foot-4 and 241 pounds.
The edge rusher started his day with the bench press and knocked out 22 consecutive reps of 225 pounds – an impressive mark considering he claimed to have completed the same drill for just 11 reps when he attempted it in the past. That, on top of his near-Combine record 41-inch vertical jump, has boosted the former walk-on's draft stock.
When asked what he can bring to an NFL squad, Gumbs replied that any team that drafts him will be getting a “high effort, violent player.” He said teams want to see him bend around the edge better and improve his secondary rush.
However, he’s adamant that his work ethic will make him an asset at the next level.
“I’m going to fit any block, any kind of way you need me,” Gumbs said. “No matter what the occasion is, I’m always going to be face first.”
Gumbs is currently listed as the No. 211 player on Pro Football Focus’ predictive draft board and has made visits to a multitude of teams so far. He also has a visit scheduled with the New England Patriots in the near future.
Devin Moore:
Another Gator who has dealt with an offseason injury, defensive back Devin Moore chose to work out in front of the scouts despite not being at 100% health.
While Moore said he is “way faster” than his unofficial 4.59 40-yard dash time, the No. 85 player on the Pro Football Focus’ predictive draft board thought he had a good showing during the vertical jump (34.5 inches) and in the on-field workouts.
“[Teams] wanted to see me break [on routes],” Moore said. “So that was most important for me today, showing I could get in and out of my break.”
Measuring in at just over 6-foot-3, the towering cornerback has drawn plenty of intrigue from teams due to his unique size and ability to match up against taller receivers.
“In the NFL, there are a lot of taller guys, bigger guys,” Moore said. “Having a taller corner will help contest that.”
The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are two organizations Moore is set to visit in the near future.
J. Michael Sturdivant
The first player to participate in on-field drills Thursday, wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant put on an extremely solid performance in front of the NFL scouts. The only wideout who caught passes, Sturdivant did not record a single drop throughout multiple drills.
The No. 236 player on Pro Football Focus’ predictive draft board, Sturdivant showed off his speed with a 4.40 40-yard dash at the Combine. For the 6-foot-2 wideout, the on-field drills were a unique experience for Studivant to show off his technique.
“I wanted to show that I wasn’t just a deep threat,” Sturdivant said. “I can run the short routes and intermediate routes. Be the full receiver.”
The former California and UCLA transfer’s unique collegiate journey has also helped him adjust to the unique pre-draft process.
“In the NFL, you can get traded any day,” Sturdivant said. “Being able to go through that in college ... was something I’m glad I got to go through.”
As of now, Sturdivant has not taken any top 30 visits.
Jake Slaughter:
Center Jake Slaughter was arguably the most amped of the 13 Gators to return to Gainesville. His energy was contagious as he persistently cheered on each of his teammates. He donned an unwavering smile during his conversation with the media and made sure it was known that he’s glad to be back.
“It was so much fun getting back out here in Gainesville to be with my guys one more time,” Slaughter said. “All I wanted to do for the past few months is just one more time with the boys, so it meant a hell of a lot to me.”
After measuring 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 304 pounds, Slaughter knocked out 22 reps of 225 on the bench press. He also competed in on-field drills and plans on sticking around in Gainesville to continue working with current UF linemen like center Jason Zandamela.
Ranked the No. 90 player on Pro Football Focus’ predictive draft board, Slaughter’s draft process has been unique. In fact, he said one team asked him about a fender bender he was involved in during high school, which caught him off guard.
One decision Slaughter has not made yet is where he will be watching the draft. However, the avid fisher and hunter says he will be with his family.
“Hopefully, I’m tagged out on turkeys by then. Maybe we’ll go catch a fish.”
Contact Max Bernstein at mbernstein@alligator.org. Follow him on X @maxbernstein23.
Contact Curan Ahern at cahern@alligator.org. Follow him on X at @CuranAhern.
Max is a junior sports journalism student in his seventh semester at The Alligator. He serves as The Alligator's assistant sports editor and football beat coordinator. He previously served as The Alligator's sports editor and as a reporter for football, women's tennis, volleyball, lacrosse and sports enterprise. He also has made multiple appearances on the Paul Finebaum Show. Max wants to shoutout his cats, Scooter and Zoe, and niche former Florida Panthers players (shoutout Maxim Mamin).
Curan is a junior sports journalism student in his fourth semester at The Alligator. He is currently the sports desk's football and enterprise beat writer, and previously served as a reporter for men's tennis, sports enterprise and football. He is currently pursuing a public relations minor and is an avid Duval sports fan. (#DTWD)
