These three Gators will appear in the Reese’s Senior Bowl

Zach Carter won’t be the only Gator at the Reese’s Senior Bowl this year.

With the college football season winding down, upperclassmen are looking to boost their draft stock before the 2022 NFL draft. One of the best ways for NFL hopefuls to get noticed by teams is by participating in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Florida has three seniors headed to this year’s showcase, linebacker Jeremiah Moon, running back Dameon Pierce and defensive end Zachary Carter.

Carter was the first to be announced, but Moon actually received his invitation a year ago before opting to return to Florida for a sixth season. The free year of college eligibility served Moon well as he currently ranks fourth on the team in tackles. He switched from being an edge rusher to playing more of a traditional linebacker role before the season, and an injury to starting linebacker Ventrell Miller only granted Moon more opportunities.

Personal success aside, Moon will be marred by the Gators’ wretched performance on defense over the last two years. A good showing at the Senior Bowl could help find him a new home to play on Sundays in the NFL.

Pierce is in a completely different position. He’s averaging 6.6 yards per carry and leading the team in rushing yards for running backs. The problem is he’s only averaging 6.8 carries per game. Pierce splits the load with two other talented backs and however many quarterbacks play on that Saturday. Still, this is the most productive season of Pierce’s career and he’s established himself well as a true threat in the red zone with most of his 10 touchdowns coming on short-yardage plays.

To his credit, Pierce is happy to share the ball with his teammates. He’s also one of the most outgoing personalities in the Florida locker room. Pierce has shown what he can do on the field whenever his number has been called this season, and he’s stepped up as a team leader in a challenging season for the Gators, to say the least.

Pierce will get his shot to prove himself to those who haven’t paid attention at the Senior Bowl and should get some looks in the draft process. They might even let him run the ball more than seven times in a game with scouts in the stands.

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