KYLE CURTIS: Three To Watch. Pay Attention To These Guys In The Shadows This Season
Here are some other guys who not a lot of people are talking about but can be key contributors for the Gators come gameday.
By KYLE CURTIS
GatorBaitMedia.com
We are coming to the end of a hectic offseason for Florida football.
Amidst all the noise and media coverage of what Billy Napier has described as like an “NFL East team in the South,” the Gators have had a successful offseason in securing one of the top head coaching targets in Napier while also producing a lot of hope on the recruiting trail.
A lot of the media has also been talking about players such as Anthony Richardson, Brenton Cox and Gervon Dexter to name a few, and rightfully so, but here are some other guys who not a lot of people are talking about but can be a key contributor for the Gators come gameday.
Jalen Lee, Defensive Lineman
Gervon Dexter stated at media day that he may line up more on the end of this year in Patrick Toney’s scheme. That must mean one thing, Toney must be confident with who they have lined up at tackle and nose.
That is where Jalen Lee enters the conversation.
A 6-foot-2, 299-pound defensive lineman out of Watson, LA, Lee has real potential to see his role grow this year. A four-star recruit coming out of high school, Lee is now entering his junior year with a total of 11 career tackles.
Look for that number to grow this year as Lee showcases what he is capable of while holding down a spot in the trenches.
Coach Sean Spencer (Aka Coach Chaos) also praised Lee’s work ethic and technique at media day when asked about someone who is going to make an impact.
“I think Jalen Lee is a technician … we expect him to ascend from the Spring,” said Spencer.
Princely Umanmielen
A bit more experienced than Lee, Princely Umanmielen appeared in all 13 games at defensive end last season while collecting 17 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble.
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound product from Manor, Texas, has mainly seen action at the defensive end position. He has the ability to thrive in Patrick Toney’s scheme that will highlight his ability to pass rush and get quarterback hurries.
“Both these guys had really good springs,” said Spencer said about Lee and Umanmielen. “I think Princely has not even reached the ceiling on where he can go.”
Expect both Umanmielen and Lee to come on in a big way for the Gators this year.
Michael Tarquin
Ocala native Michael Tarquin has been turning heads this offseason. He was praised by his offensive line coach, Rob Sale, for his consistent work ethic and attitude towards getting better and working on his craft this offseason.
“Name a player that does it the right way and Michael Tarquin comes to mind,” said Sale. “I expect big things from him this year.”
This is high praise from Sale who has had a history of working in the National Football League with the best lineman in the country. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Tarquin is going into his redshirt-sophomore season. He started in two of the 12 games he appeared in last season while primarily playing left and right tackle.
After an impressive offseason for Tarquin, expect him to be a focal point and one of the leaders of this offensive line.
“He’s going to answer the bell, he’s a stud when it comes to attitude,” said Sale. “I’ll take 20 Michael Tarquin’s every day.”
Expect Tarquin along with O’Cyrus Torrence and the rest of the Gator's big guys to establish themselves early in the season en route to Billy Napier’s run-based offense.
“If you can’t win the trenches, you can’t win in this league,” said Sale.
With star players in Richardson, Cox, Dexter and others, the Gators are also hoping to fill out the rest of the roster. It’s no secret they need depth. Look for these guys’ names in the midst of an Anthony Richardson backflip celebration.
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