We will never forget Ventrell Miller. (Chris Spears Photo)

"I think the good thing I see from our players is we’ve got a group that wants to send this group out the right way.”

By: KYLE CURTIS

GatorBaitMedia.com

With the Florida football season coming to a conclusion, the seniors are set to be honored in Saturday’s home game as the Gators host the South Carolina Gamecocks.

In addition to celebrating the seniors, the military and first responders will also be appreciated Members of the University of Florida ROTC will serve as the honorary Mr. Two Bits in recognition of their service.

Eighteen players are set to be celebrated on Senior Day. Here are a few of the significant contributors who have impacted the program throughout their time in Gainesville.

Billy Napier stressed earlier in the week how important it is to make sure the seniors get the message on their way out that they are appreciated and want to give them the best goodbye possible.

“Certainly always an emotional time for those players, in particular,” Napier said. “So, I think the good thing I see from our players is we’ve got a group that wants to send this group out the right way.”

Ventrell Miller

Celebrating a sixth season in the orange and blue, Ventrell Miller has established himself as not only a defensive leader but also a team leader.

In his time, Miller has been SEC defensive player of the week twice while also being the leader of the defense. He has accumulated over 200 total tackles along with 7.5 sacks during his time with the Gators.

Just recently, Miller gave an inspiring halftime speech during the Texas A&M game that fired up the locker room. During his time in Florida, he has often been the light in aee sometimes dark room.

Richard Gouraige

A redshirt junior out of Tampa, Richard Gouraige has been a key piece to the Florida running game throughout the past few years.

Gouraige has started in each of the first-nine games game on an offensive line that is allowing just one sack per game. Florida is also top-25 in rushing efficiency in the nation.

Gouraige has one more year left of eligibility, although there is speculation he may take his talents to the NFL after earning his bachelor’s degree in Sociology in the Spring of 2022. He said in his presser this week that he may very well return to UF.

Trey Dean

Trey Dean enters Senior Day as a starter after in interchanging the past few games.

The true senior enters Saturday’s game versus South Carolina with a respectable career. In his five years at Florida, Dean was name All-SEC dFreshman Team in the 2018 campaign along with being a four-time SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll member.

On the field, Dean made four interceptions, 19 pass deflections and five sacks during his time as a Gator. Additionally, Dean has been a leader in the secondary for the Gators over the past two seasons.

Amari Burney

Someone who did not really begin an impact until their sophomore year, Amari Burney has stamped himself in the Florida history book. Most notably for his game-sealing interception against Utah. Starting every game this year, he leads the team in several defensive categories, including interceptions.

The senior has accounted for 195 tackles, seven sacks and four interceptions, including the one against Utah.

Alongside Ventrell Miller, these two have been a force to be reckoned with and have proven to be the rock within Florida’s defense.

Additional players being honored for senior day include:

● QB Jack Anders*

● P Jack Brady*

● WR Justin Curtis*

● QB Kyle Engel*

● K Travis Freeman*

● OL Will Harrod

● TE Noah Keeter*

● RB Lorenzo Lingard

● WR Jordan Pouncey

● WR William Sawyer*

● WR Justin Shorter

● P Tyler Waxman*

● LS Chase Whitfield*

● WR Trent Whittemore

● RB Nay’Quan Wright