It was evident how crucial Shemar James was to a defense that appeared to deteriorate following his injury in the 2023 loss to Georgia. A significant shift was required for a club that has lost four consecutive games while allowing 1,914 yards. We’re only a few days into Billy Napier’s third year of spring practice, and the Gators are on the verge of reintroducing their defensive leader.
“It’s going pretty well. James stated, “I’m right on schedule with my recovery.” “I’m just taking it slowly, trying not to rush back and risk injuring myself again.” It was surprising because it happened so unexpectedly during the pregame. And it seemed like a blow to the squad, to me. It was difficult to cope with, but we’re on track now.”
Since his injury against Georgia, Shemar James’s toughest challenge has been regaining full strength. Many fans blamed the field preparation just days before the game, but it was simply an unfortunate accident to the great linebacker.
“I’m bending and strengthening my quadriceps and hamstrings. I haven’t run since the Georgia game, so we need to get those things firing again. “I think it was just an unfortunate thing that happened,” James stated of his injuries. “As you can see, it was just a standard haircut. I planted, and something happened. So I don’t think it was the field. I think that was simply unlucky.”
Shemar James is impressed with the linebackers in the room despite their little time together this spring. Everyone is eager to learn from Coach Ron Roberts, and the focus remains where it should be as spring practice progresses.
“It’s been great,” James stated. “We have a group of individuals who are eager to learn and apply what they’ve learned in the film room. So, I don’t think there are any egos in that room.
When players talk about Coach Ron Roberts, it appears that he has been in Gainesville for more than a few days. The information exists, and the experience Roberts brings to the table is exactly what this defense requires in year three.
“All of the guys want to study and play ball. “That helps him a lot,” James remarked about Roberts. “And having that experience from another school coming here, that kind of gives him a step ahead of the playbook actually.”
This summer, the Gators added 11 players through the transfer portal, bolstering all three levels of defense.
The Gators brought in the strongest linebacker class in years, with Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles. To top it off, the Gators were able to sign Grayson “Pup” Howard from South Carolina, who Florida had targeted during his high school recruitment.
“He is a dog.” He’s large. I am not sure whether you have seen him in person, but he is a big guy. “So, he’s a great guy and a great player,” James remarked about Howard. “He’s one of my brothers now, so I treat him like that and it’s all smiles when we come around.”
Myles Graham, on the other hand, is a player who might have an immediate impact on the Gators’ defense and linebacker corps. The former Buchholz Bobcat shone at the Under Armour All-American game in January, recording a team-high five tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss.
“Stud, Stud.” Myles Graham, he is a stud. Now I have a little bro. I need to coach him up and make him the best linebacker he can be. He’s familiar with the place, so he’s eager to get started. No slack at all. “He’s physical,” James said about Graham. “He’s physical; he can run, hit, and disrupt. So it’s basically just getting him into the playbook so he can play quickly.”
Coach Armstrong and Coach Roberts are currently focusing on the players’ effort. This coaching staff will put these guys in the best position to succeed and simplify things; ultimately, this team must execute. Missed tackles were a major concern for the Gators last season, and that can’t continue in year three.
“I’d say just probably overall effort,” James said of his defense and what it will take to improve. “Just get to the ball, and once you do, make sure you get the ball down. So we’re currently coaching effort, tackling, and other such activities. There’s clearly a distinct level of buy-in when you come into the weight room; there are people sitting there with shirts tucked in and straps knotted up. We’re eager to go and make a difference this year.
This defense is eager and understands what it will take to be great in 2024. So far this spring, the most noticeable improvement has been the team’s preparation and practicing approach. If this club wants to enhance its defense this year, buy-in must be at an all-time high throughout the rest of the spring and into the following season.
Leave a Reply