Category: 2020 season

Trey Dean III returns for senior year with a chance to be a leader in the secondary

Safety Trey Dean III saw his playing time dwindle in 2020, but the Gators will likely need him to start in the secondary in 2021.

Name: Trey Dean III

Number: 13

Position: Safety

Class: Junior

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 200 lbs

Hometown: Hampton, Ga.

High School: Dutchtown

Twitter: @__TD3

2020 statistics:

Solo Ast Tot Loss Sk Int Yds Avg TD PD FR
22 12 34 1 1 1 19 19 0 0 1

Overview:

Dean was originally a four-star recruit in the 2018 recruiting class, and he was one of Dan Mullen‘s first commits after he was hired at Florida. Dean saw action almost immediately as a true freshman. He started the year working backup duty and playing on special teams, but after starting cornerback Marco Wilson went down with a season-ending ACL injury, he started nine of the final 10 games at cornerback, though he mostly played safety in high school.

He finished the season with 26 tackles, a pick and six passes defended. With Wilson back in 2019, Dean started just six games as a sophomore (though he played in all 13). He saw action mostly at cornerback and the STAR position, totaling 26 tackles (3.5 for loss), two sacks, a pick and a forced fumble.

He saw perhaps the smallest role of his entire career as a junior in 2020. Though he appeared in 11 games after moving primarily to safety, he started just one game all season in the SEC Championship against Alabama. He notched a career-high in tackles with 34 and forced another fumble, but he only had one interception (also against the Crimson Tide) and he didn’t break up any passes. Back for his senior year, Dean will likely begin the 2021 season as a starter at safety with a chance to be one of the leaders of a young secondary outside of Kaiir Elam.

Video:

Donovan Stiner graduates after missing just one game in four years

Coming off a career-best season in tackles (though he didn’t manage an interception), safety Donovan Stiner hopes to land on an NFL roster.

Name: Donovan Stiner

Number: 13

Position: Safety

Class: Senior

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 210 pounds

Hometown: Houston

High School: Bellaire

Twitter: @dstiner3

2020 statistics:

TOT SOLO AST SACK PD
62 33 29 0 1

Overview:

Stiner may have been a three-star recruit coming out of high school, but the safety prospect out of Houston wasted no time finding the field with the Gators. In his first season in 2017, he played in all 11 games, mostly at special teams and as a reserve defensive back. In the process, he totaled nine tackles.

Heading into his sophomore year in 2018, he was ready to become one of the Gators’ top safeties. He played in all 13 games that season and started 12 of them, finishing with 49 tackles, two picks and the only sack of his collegiate career. He saw his role diminish slightly as a junior in 2019, and though he appeared in every game once again, he started just six of them. His tackle total dropped to 30, though he did manage to set a career-high in interceptions with four.

Stiner reclaimed his starting role for most of his senior season in 2020, starting 10 of the 11 games he appeared in. He finished with a career-high in tackles, though he didn’t record an interception for the first time since his freshman year. Overall, Florida’s secondary struggled, and at times, so did Stiner.

Still, he was a relatively consistent starter for three years with the Gators, and replacing him will be one of the biggest questions facing UF’s defense next season.

Video:

[vertical-gallery id=39189]

[vertical-gallery id=34050]

Brett Heggie heads to NFL after accomplished Florida career

Florida football loses its starting center in 2021 as Brett Heggie moves on to the NFL after 31 starts in four years.

Name: Brett Heggie

Number: 61

Position: Offensive Line

Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 321 pounds

Hometown: Mount Dora, Fla.

High School: Mount Dora

Twitter: @HeggieBrett74

Overview:

One of the few remaining holdovers from the previous regime, Heggie joined the Gators in former coach Jim McElwain’s second recruiting class in 2016. A three-star prospect from central Florida, Heggie was the sixth-best center in the class per the 247Sports Composite. Already at nearly 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds coming out of high school, Heggie had good size right away. Still, he sat out his first season in 2016, taking a redshirt.

As a redshirt freshman, though, he was one of the Gators’ best offensive linemen. He appeared in eight games (starting seven of them) and earned an SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week award before an injury against Missouri cut his 2017 season short.

He returned in 2018, but his season was again limited by injuries. Still, he appeared in nine games, earning another SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week award. He saw action at both guard spots as a redshirt sophomore, and he was a part of an offensive line that allowed just 18 sacks all season, the third-least in the SEC.

Heggie played in 12 of UF’s 13 games the following year, starting all of them. He once again saw starts at both left and right guard, and the Gators’ passing offense took a major leap forward, becoming the 16th-best in the country.

During his final season in 2020, Heggie moved to center, where he started for all 12 games. He was one of the team’s most dependable offensive linemen, which allowed quarterback Kyle Trask to have a record-setting season through the air. Florida led the nation in passing yards per game and were eighth in yards per play, and in the process, Heggie took home the third SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week award of his career in the season opener against Ole Miss.

With his eligibility expired, Heggie will move on to the NFL while the Gators are left to try to fill a major void along the interior of their offensive line.

Video:

[vertical-gallery id=39189]

[vertical-gallery id=34050]

Now an upperclassman, tight end Keon Zipperer hopes to break out

Zipperer’s production has been limited to this point in his career, but with the departure of Kyle Pitts, he could see an increased role.

Name: Keon Zipperer

Number: 9

Position: Tight End

Class: Sophomore

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 240 pounds

Hometown: Lakeland, Fla.

High School: Lakeland

Twitter: @_KeonZ

2020 statistics:

REC YDS AVG TD LNG ATT YDS AVG TD LNG FUM LST
11 145 13.2 2 39 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0

Overview:

Part of the Lakeland contingent of Florida’s roster, Zipperer was a four-star recruit and the No. 2 tight end in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite. His recruiting process was contentious, with schools like Miami and Alabama showing late interest, but he committed to and signed with the Gators on the first day of the early signing period in December 2018.

As a freshman in 2019, he saw action in eight games but only made three receptions on the year for 31 yards and a touchdown, and all of those came in UF’s win over Towson. Though he was playing behind Kyle Pitts and Kemore Gamble as a sophomore in 2020, he saw some more action when the former got hurt.

He played in 10 games at both tight end and on special teams, making 11 catches for 145 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught the first pass of the season against Ole Miss.

Now, Pitts is gone, and it will be down to Zipperer and Gamble as the only returning experienced tight ends to fill that void.

Video:

[vertical-gallery id=39833]

[vertical-gallery id=39189]

[vertical-gallery id=34050]

Running back Nay’Quan Wright looks to build off impressive freshman season

Running back Nay’Quan Wright showed signs of potential both running the ball and as a receiver out of the backfield as a freshman in 2020.

Name: Nay’Quan Wright

Number: 6

Position: Running Back

Class: Redshirt Freshman

Height: 5’9″

Weight: 195 pounds

Hometown: Miami Gardens, Fla.

High School: Miami Carol City

Twitter: @B0SSMAN_5

2020 statistics:

ATT YDS AVG TD LNG REC YDS AVG TD LNG FUM LST
54 213 3.9 2 26 19 219 11.5 0 50 0 0

Overview:

Coming out of Miami, Wright was a four-star recruit and the No. 16 running back in the 2019 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite. He committed to coach Dan Mullen and the Gators in Nov. 2018, and he signed his National Letter of Intent the next month.

Wright entered a pretty deep running back room as a true freshman in 2019, and he saw very limited action as he eventually took a redshirt. He appeared in three games, taking 12 carries for 24 yards and making one four-yard reception.

As a redshirt freshman in 2020, Wright was once again a part of a loaded position group, but he managed to see the field a lot more. He played in nine games and finished third on the team in rushing with 54 carries for 213 yards and two touchdowns. He was also a factor in the receiving game, reeling in 19 catches for 219 yards.

With everyone returning at running back, Wright will likely see a similar role in 2021. But he demonstrated some skill, especially in the receiving game out of the backfield, and he should play a key part in UF’s offense next season.

Video:

[vertical-gallery id=39189]

Linebacker Ventrell Miller returns for fifth season looking to lead UF defense

Ventrell Miller led the team in tackles as a redshirt junior, and he returns as one of UF’s most experienced defensive players.

Name: Ventrell Miller

Number: 52

Position: Linebacker

Class: Redshirt Junior

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 230 pounds

Hometown: Lakeland, Fla.

High School: Kathleen

Twitter: @ventrell_miller

2020 statistics:

TOT SOLO AST SACK FF FR YDS PD
86 52 34 3.5 0 1 0 3

Overview:

A three-star recruit coming out of Kathleen High School, Miller originally committed to and signed with former coach Jim McElwain in 2017, becoming a part of the Lakeland-to-Gainesville pipeline.

He had to wait until his second season on campus to see the field, though, as he spent the entire 2017 season suspended for his role in the credit card fraud incident. He finally rejoined the team in 2018, and he appeared in all 13 games playing on special teams and as a reserve linebacker, finishing with 15 tackles, a sack and a pick.

Miller’s role increased considerably as a redshirt sophomore in 2019. He appeared in 12 games and started 11 of them, eventually finishing second on the team in tackles with 55. He also had three sacks.

He entered his redshirt junior season in 2020 expected to be one of the leaders on defense, and though the unit as a whole struggled considerably, he had a solid season. He played in 11 of Florida’s 12 games, and he started 10 of them.

Miller led the team in tackles last season with 88 in addition to notching 3.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss (all career-highs). Though he certainly could have been selected in the 2021 NFL draft, he decided to return for a fifth season in Gainesville, where he should be one of the best players on defense.

Video:

[vertical-gallery id=39189]

Florida’s Stone Forsythe was a mountain on the offensive line in 2020

After starting 28 games in four seasons, former Gators left tackle Stone Forsythe appears to have decided to move on to his next stop.

Name: Stone Forsythe

Number: 72

Position: Offensive Tackle

Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6’9″

Weight: 312 pounds

Hometown: Winter Garden, Fla.

High School: West Orange

Twitter: @stone_forsythe

Overview:

Stone Forsythe joined Florida’s 2016 recruiting class as just a three-star recruit and the No. 82 offensive tackle prospect in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite. But Stone’s size (officially listed by Florida as 6-foot-9-inches) made him an intriguing prospect, and former UF coach Jim McElwain locked up his commitment.

He redshirted his first year on campus in 2016, and in 2017, he didn’t appear until the final two games, starting both. His collegiate debut against UAB also marked his first career start.

Heading into his redshirt sophomore season in 2018, he served as a utility player on the offensive line. He appeared in all 13 games, starting the opener against Charleston Southern at right tackle. He saw action at both tackle and guard in 2018. The following season, he entered as Florida’s starter at left tackle. He played and started in all 13 games in 2019, contributing to an offense that ranked 16th in the nation in yards per play.

His final season in 2020, he once again started all 12 games. He provided blind-side protection for quarterback Kyle Trask, who finished as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Though he had the option to return to school for an additional year of eligibility, Forsythe is not listed on Florida’s spring roster, and it is presumable that he will be trying his hand at the draft.

Video:

[vertical-gallery id=37115]

[vertical-gallery id=39189]

[vertical-gallery id=34050]

Florida’s Stone Forsythe was a mountain on the offensive line in 2020

After starting 28 games in four seasons, former Gators left tackle Stone Forsythe appears to have decided to move on to his next stop.

Name: Stone Forsythe

Number: 72

Position: Offensive Tackle

Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6’9″

Weight: 312 pounds

Hometown: Winter Garden, Fla.

High School: West Orange

Twitter: @stone_forsythe

Overview:

Stone Forsythe joined Florida’s 2016 recruiting class as just a three-star recruit and the No. 82 offensive tackle prospect in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite. But Stone’s size (officially listed by Florida as 6-foot-9-inches) made him an intriguing prospect, and former UF coach Jim McElwain locked up his commitment.

He redshirted his first year on campus in 2016, and in 2017, he didn’t appear until the final two games, starting both. His collegiate debut against UAB also marked his first career start.

Heading into his redshirt sophomore season in 2018, he served as a utility player on the offensive line. He appeared in all 13 games, starting the opener against Charleston Southern at right tackle. He saw action at both tackle and guard in 2018. The following season, he entered as Florida’s starter at left tackle. He played and started in all 13 games in 2019, contributing to an offense that ranked 16th in the nation in yards per play.

His final season in 2020, he once again started all 12 games. He provided blind-side protection for quarterback Kyle Trask, who finished as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Though he had the option to return to school for an additional year of eligibility, Forsythe is not listed on Florida’s spring roster, and it is presumable that he will be trying his hand at the draft.

Video:

[vertical-gallery id=37115]

Emory Jones has waited his turn. Now, 2021 is his year.

After three years of seeing spot duty, Jones’ time to lead Florida’s offense under center has finally come in 2021. It’s sink or swim time.

Name: Emory Jones

Number: 5

Position: Quarterback

Class: Redshirt junior

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 210 lbs

Hometown: LaGrange, Georgia

High School: Heard County

Twitter: @eXjones6

2020 statistics:

CMP ATT CMP% YDS AVG TD INT LNG RTG
18 32 56.3 221 6.9 2 1 30 128.6

Overview:

Florida quarterback Emory Jones has seen limited time over the last two seasons as the backup quarterback to Kyle Trask. A four-star recruit in 2018, he was one of coach Dan Mullen’s first big recruiting gets after he was hired by the Gators in December 2017. He closed late with Jones and convinced him to go back on his pledge to Ohio State. He signed with the Gators as the No. 5 dual-threat quarterback in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite.

He redshirted his first year on campus, appearing in just four games. He mostly saw designed packages for him, but against Charleston Southern and Idaho, he saw extended action in blowouts. Over his four appearances, he was 12-of-16 passing for 125 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also had 41 yards on 18 carries.

As a redshirt freshman in 2019, he appeared in 11 games, becoming the backup after the injury to Feleipe Franks. He saw a lot more playing time in his second season, attempting 38 passes (of which he completed 25) for 267 yards and three touchdowns. Additionally, he finished third on the team in rushing with 256 yards.

With the emergence of Trask in 2020, Jones saw his role diminish a bit. He still appeared in nine games, going just 18-of-32 for 221 yards, two touchdowns and his first career interceptions. He was also less productive on the ground, totaling 217 yards on 32 attempts with two touchdowns. Now entering his redshirt junior season in 2021, he’s expected to replace Trask as Florida’s starter. The offense will likely look much different this season, but Mullen will hope Jones is the guy to keep up the high-scoring ways.

Video:

[vertical-gallery id=37428]

Kaiir Elam set to lead Florida’s secondary in 2021

Elam enters his junior season as one of the most experienced players on defense, and he should lead a secondary that struggled in 2020.

Name: Kaiir Elam

Number: 5

Position: Defensive Back

Class: Junior

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 193 lbs

Hometown: Riviera Beach, Florida

High School: Benjamin

Twitter: @Easymoney_Kai

2020 statistics:

TOT SOLO AST FR YDS INT YDS TD PD
39 28 11 1 0 2 0 0 11

Overview:

The nephew of former star Gators safety Matt Elam, Kaiir Elam joined the Florida roster as a four-star recruit from South Florida in the 2019 recruiting class. His first year on campus, he played in all 13 games and started five of them as C.J. Henderson dealt with injuries. He finished with 11 tackles, three picks and four passes defended (the second-most on the team).

Elam entered his sophomore season in 2020 poised to start opposite Marco Wilson, and he did not disappoint. He started all 12 games, and he totaled 39 tackles, two picks and 11 passes defensed. He also recovered his first career fumble in the Cotton Bowl loss to Oklahoma.

He now enters his junior season in 2021 as one of the most experienced players in the secondary and also as one of the Gators’ top draft prospects. Expectations are high for him going into what will likely be his final season in Gainesville, but so far, he’s done nothing but exceed them.

Video:

[vertical-gallery id=38757]