ChompTalk.com

The Florida defense had great success in recent scrimmages. Some of that success can be attributed to Florida’s linebacker corps, which consists of multiple returning starters. This season, the position group will return refreshed with experience and talent across the board.

With Mannie Nunnery (Texas St.) and Scooby Williams (Texas A&M) exiting the program, the Gators will rely on the experience of junior Shemar James and senior Derek Wingo. 

See Also: Quarterbacks Preview

James’ 2023 campaign came to an end when he suffered a dislocated kneecap in a week nine loss to Georgia. He finished second on the team in tackles (55) and TFL (5.5) despite only playing eight games. Most of his offseason was spent recovering from surgery and rebuilding his knee to full strength.

James has been an active participant in fall camp and will bring valuable expertise to the linebacker corps. His ability to play sideline-to-sideline will be vital as Florida faces some of the best offenses in the country.

See Also: Running Backs Preview

Wingo appeared in all 12 games last season and led Florida linebackers in sacks (2.5). The senior underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason and wore a non-contact jersey for most of the spring. He has since recovered from the operation and participated in full-contact practice drills in the fall.

One Florida linebacker in particular is generating excitement in open practices and making position battles heavily contested. Grayson “Pup” Howard transferred from South Carolina for his sophomore year. He appeared in 11 games for the Gamecocks as a freshman and accumulated 19 tackles.  

See Also: Wide Receivers / Tight Ends Preview

Howard has performed notably well in open practices. He will see the field often and could even earn a start in week one.

A couple of freshmen will also be active at the position this season. Some of Florida’s most coveted recruits in the class of 2024 were linebackers Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles. 

See Also: Offensive Line Preview

Graham, a 4-star recruit who played at Buchholz high school for his senior season, has impressed in practices and will likely serve as a backup. He is the son of former Florida running back Earnest Graham. 

Chiles is also turning heads in his short time at Florida. New linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator Ron Roberts praised Chiles for being an outstanding athlete and hard worker in a spring interview with 247 Sports. 

See Also: Defensive Line Preview

Roberts replaces former Florida linebackers coach Jay Bateman, who left for the same job at Texas A&M in December. He has over 30 years of coaching experience and served as Auburn’s defensive coordinator last year.

The linebacker position is one to be excited about. This group has experience, talent and depth. Graham and Chiles are players to especially keep an eye on as they may very well be the faces of Florida defenses to come.