UF football position preview: Linebackers

GAINESVILLE The eighth in a position-by-position preview of the UF football team leading up to SEC Media Days.TODAY: LINEBACKERWhat to expectRobert Bala faces a quandary the Gators have not had in a while.

The teams new linebackers coach will have options, heated competition and potentially tough decisions at a position where Florida has been lacking them for some time.Other than Ventrell Miller in 2022, UF has not had a standout at the position since Jarrad Davis and Antonio Morrison combined for more than 200 tackles in 2015 or Davis, a future NFL first-round draft pick, and Alex Anzalone, a starter the past four years with the Detroit Lions, lined up together in 2016.The 2024 Gators return a promising quartet, juniors Grayson Pup Howard and Jaden Robinson and sophomores Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles, and also boast a true freshman, Ty Jackson, who well could demand snaps.

Jacksons 11-tackle spring game came as no surprise to head coach Billy Napier.Florida linebacker Myles Graham forces a fumble of Texas tailback Jerrick Gibson during an otherwise dour day for the Gators, who lost 49-17 to the Longhorns Nov.

9, 2024 in Austin.At Early Signing Day, Napier said the 6-foot-1 12, 216-pound Jacksons junior film was probably the best hes ever seen.

In 2023 at Seminole Ridge in Loxahatchee, he registered 135 tackles with 4 forced fumbles, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions while also catching 5 touchdowns and returning a pair of kickoffs for scores.

Given UFs depth a backer, Jackson will have time if needed.

to adjust to the college game.The 6-foot-4, 232-pound Howard displayed impressive physical tools but his production was only so-so (37 tackles, 2 for loss), before an injury ended his season during the ninth game.

Graham capitalized on a larger role to position himself for a Year 2 star turn.

The legacy Gator makes up a lack of stature (6-foot 34, 227) with athletic ability he was also a high school star running back and intelligence as the son of Earnest Grahama, a 1,000-yard rusher at UF and eight-year NFL veteran.

A member of the All-SEC Freshman team, Myles Graham eased into 2024 season after offseason back surgery, producing 25 of his 30 tackles during the final seven games.Robinson, who hails from nearby Lake City, isnt flashy, but produces his 52 tackles in 2024 are second among returning players to safety Jordan Castell.

An 8-tackle day was a rare bright spot during a lopsided home loss to Texas A&M.

He also had 7 tackles, including 1.5 sacks, during an overtime loss Oct.

11, 2024 at Tennessee.

Robinson closed the regular season with 2 sacks during a decisive win at Florida State.Meanwhile, the 6-foot-2 12, 241-pound Chiles could be the most explosive and gifted of the group.

Clocked at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash, Chiles had 2 fumble recoveries during the 2023 Under Armour All-American game, returning one for a score.

But the Maryland native did not arrive until last summer and had to play catch-up.

He still finished with 22 stops, with 10 of them solos.What theyre sayingVery, very lucky man to coach them.

From a leadership standpoint, their GPA, and then on top of that theyre phenomenal football players.

Theyve all had experience, different total snap counts, but I do believe they know what it takes to be good.

They want to be coached hard.

BalaFlorida linebacker Jaden Robinson corrals Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava during the Gators 23-17 overtime loss Oct.

11, 2024 in Knoxville.

(AP Photo/Wade Payne)ReturneesAaron ChilesMyles GrahamGrayson Pup HowardJaden RobinsonDeparturesShemar JamesR.J.

MotenDeuce Spurlock IIDerek WingoNew arrivalsTy Jackson (Loxahatchee), true freshmanProjected depth chart (offseason)MIKE Pup Howard | Jaden Robinson | Ty JacksonWILL Myles Graham | Aaron ChilesPreviousQuarterbackRunning backTight endReceiverOffensive lineInterior defensive lineEdge rusherEdgar Thompson can be reached at [email protected].

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