Though Florida head coach Jon Sumrall wasn’t entirely happy with his team’s performance in a 52-3 win over Campbell – largely due to scoring just 7 points in the second half — there have been plenty of bright spots.
Even with the play of multiple depth pieces not meeting Sumrall’s standards, a handful of players have taken advantage of snaps against Florida Atlantic and Campbell. In his third appearance at Gator Talk, Sumrall noted which players he’s been pleased with and which players have been elevating on game days.
Defensively, the secondary elevated its play, with a pair of Gators showing Sumrall “maybe they deserve a little bit more opportunity.” Those players were sophomores J’Vari Flowers and Lagonza Hayward.
The former tallied six tackles against FAU and added three pass deflections in UF’s win over Campbell, while Hayward, who has also branched into a more versatile role at the STAR position, made two tackles against the Owls and logged four (two for loss) against the Camels. He also had a pair of pass deflections in Week 2.
“Last week in particular, the secondary, J’Vari Flowers and Lagonza Hayward both elevated their play,” Sumrall said. “Really proud of those guys.”
Defensive lineman Jeramiah McCloud and safety Bryce Thornton are another pair of players Sumrall has seen step up to the plate come game time. He said McCloud is constantly disruptive on UF’s defensive front and he doesn’t have to worry about getting the sophomore geared for game day – McCloud’s always excited about playing.
“The guy that I think loves to play and you feel him every time he plays is Jeramiah McCloud,” Sumrall said, “Week 1 he texts me at 7:30 in the morning. He’s like ‘Coach, it’s game day. Let’s freaking go!’”
For Thornton, it’s his train-wreck-like hits that make him a standout. In consecutive weeks, the senior has made bone-crushing collisions with opposing pass catchers.
Though Sumrall knew Thornton was a good player from watching film and seeing him in a practice setting, watching him play live was a whole different beast.
“He really strikes people when he makes contact, and so he probably plays even higher than he practices,” Sumrall said. “He’s a good practice player, but then he elevates his play on game day.”
Sumrall also noted DK Kalu, Ty Jackson and Alfonzo Allen Jr. as defenders he was pleased with Saturday. He said Kalu looked much more “punchy” in Florida’s Week 2 win, while Allen has provided an extremely steady presence as a veteran depth piece.
Regarding Jackson, Sumrall said the sophomore linebacker is extremely physical. Though he’s “a young player developmentally,” Jackson’s hard-nosed playstyle and ability to not shy away from contact could serve Florida well in gritty conference games down the road.
“He flies,” Sumrall said. “He’s very violent as he closes.”
On offense, Sumrall named junior receiver TJ Abrams as a player he’s seen turn opportunity into production. Despite being overshadowed by receivers Vernell Brown III, Dallas Wilson and Bailey Stockton, Abrams has caught five passes for 96 yards through two games.
“TJ Abrams had the big catch Week 1, and I think he’s done some good things,” Sumrall said. “It’s about being consistent and playing at a high level.”
The coach also said running backs Duke Clark, Evan Pryor and London Montgomery have added depth to the backfield, but consistency will be key to their growth. Florida’s tight ends have done a great job elevating the running back room with their blocking, he added.
That rushing depth and physical blocking will need to be on full display when Florida heads to Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, Saturday to face a Tigers rushing defense ranked No. 23 in the nation.
“We’re excited about SEC play,” Sumrall said. “The real season starts now.”
The next Gator Talk will take place Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.
Contact Curan Ahern at cahern@alligator.org. Follow him on X at @CuranAhern.
Curan is a senior sports journalism student in his sixth semester at The Alligator. He is currently a sports editor and football beat reporter for the Gators and the Jaguars. He previously served as a men's tennis and sports enterprise reporter, and he is pursuing a public relations minor.
