LOREN MEADOWS: Gervon Dexter, Is “Leading By Example And Proud To Be A Gator.” And A New Daddy, Too

“I was taught as a child, anybody can talk and say they are a leader,” Gervon Dexter emphasized. “I like to lead by example and if I’m doing it the right way, they (teammates) have no choice but to do it the right way. So that’s how I like to go about it.” (Chris Spears photo)

By LOREN MEADOWS

GatorBaitMedia.com Football Analyst

Gervon Dexter is looking at here and now. A stalwart on the Gator team that one would expect from a veteran player in the SEC. With team success being the ultimate goal, Dexter most wants to let his attitude and play on the field to resonate and influence his teammates.

As the Billy Napier Era begins, Gervon has bought into the philosophy of his new head coach and staff and is looking forward to a new mindset for himself and his teammates. Looking to become more of a leader, Dexter credits Napier for allowing each individual player to find their space on the team.

“He (Napier) teaches each individual to be a leader in his own way, no matter who the guy is, because anyone can lead,” said Dexter. By his pure massive size, he can get your attention. Standing 6-foot-6 at 312 pounds, Dexter’s stature alone should command the respect of most of his Gator teammates.

However, with the arrival of Napier, Gervon has chosen to let the path he walks guide his mates to the common goal. “I was taught as a child, anybody can talk and say they are a leader,” Dexter emphasized. “I like to lead by example and if I’m doing it the right way, they (teammates) have no choice but to do it the right way. So that’s how I like to go about it.”

In his first two seasons as a Gator, Dexter has accounted for 70 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and one interception. While he has improved each year, Dexter is looking to take a huge leap forward in 2022. The arrival of Sean Spencer as the defensive line coach is one reason.

Spencer has worked with several star NFL defensive lineman, including Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence for the New York Giants. Under Spencer, Williams and Lawrence accounted for over one-fourth of the Giants total sacks (40) last season. Their highest sack total since 2014. Dexter says that Spencer has “affected my game in a month, (so) imagine what four or five months will do.”

Dexter added, “He has tuned me up like a car, just helped my overall game”

Big Fella will be getting after QBs this year. (Chris Spears photo)

Along with a new tune-up, Gervon Dexter will also carry added responsibility of being a new father in 2022. Gervon Dexter Jr. arrived on May 9, 2022. Weighing in at 7 pounds. 4 ounces, the younger Dexter outweighed his father at birth. Gervon Sr. was born three weeks premature weighing only 4 pounds. His father is extremely grounded and understands what this new addition means to him as a player and a person.

“Everything I do now is trying to set his life up for the better,” said the proud new daddy. “I can’t explain how good it’s been for me to be a father.” Dexter added that one of the hardest things for him to do as a father so far was leaving his young son for fall camp. But daddy’s got to work, because junior needs a new pair of shoes.

As important as fatherhood is to Gervon Dexter Sr. his time as a Florida Gator has meant a lot to him as well. The Lake Wales native chose Florida over Georgia, Texas A&M, and Alabama. As the state of Florida’s top recruit in 2020, the opportunity to stay close to his home in Polk County was a major reason for his commitment to the Gators.

“Just to represent the state of Florida – it meant a lot for me to be able to come here,” Dexter continued, “It means a lot for me to get to wear that logo every Saturday, it’s a big reason why I am here.”

Gervon Dexter Sr. will take the next three weeks or so to work and improve to a point that could see him gain the attention of NFL coaches and executives by season’s end. Pro Football Focus rates Dexter as the fifth best lineman and a possible high draft pick should he chose to enter the 2023 NFL Draft.

Gervon Dexter, however, prefers to ignore the talk, focus on his team and work to get better. “It’s a blessing but I don’t pay much attention to it.”