Florida’s second-half lull against Campbell didn’t sit right with Jon Sumrall, but the Gators’ coach still came away from the first two games with a clear list of players who have made the most of their chances.
After a 52-3 win in which Florida managed only seven points after halftime, Sumrall used his third Gator Talk appearance to highlight the depth pieces and young defenders who have started to separate themselves. The biggest lift, in his view, came in the secondary.
Sophomores J’Vari Flowers and Lagonza Hayward both drew praise after strong showings against Florida Atlantic and Campbell. Flowers had six tackles against FAU and then added three pass deflections in the win over the Camels.
Hayward, who has also taken on a more flexible role at STAR, posted two tackles against the Owls and four tackles, including two for loss, against Campbell. He also broke up two passes in Week 2.
“Last week in particular, the secondary, J’Vari Flowers and Lagonza Hayward both elevated their play,” Sumrall said. “Really proud of those guys.”
Up front, defensive lineman Jeramiah McCloud and safety Bryce Thornton have also stood out to him on game day. McCloud, Sumrall said, brings constant disruption and doesn’t need any extra push to be ready when the lights come on.
“The guy that I think loves to play and you feel him every time he plays is Jeramiah McCloud,” Sumrall said, “Week 1 he texts me at 7:30 in the morning. He’s like ‘Coach, it’s game day. Let’s freaking go!’”
Thornton has made his presence felt in a different way: with violent contact. Sumrall said the senior’s hits have jumped off the screen in back-to-back weeks, and that his live game play has actually outpaced what he shows in practice.
“He really strikes people when he makes contact, and so he probably plays even higher than he practices,” Sumrall said. “He’s a good practice player, but then he elevates his play on game day.”
Sumrall also singled out DK Kalu, Ty Jackson and Alfonzo Allen Jr. Kalu, he said, looked much more “punchy” in Florida’s Week 2 win, while Allen has been a dependable veteran depth option. Jackson, a sophomore linebacker, earned notice for his physical style and willingness to meet contact head-on.
“He flies,” Sumrall said. “He’s very violent as he closes.”
On offense, junior receiver TJ Abrams has made the most of his snaps. Even with Vernell Brown III, Dallas Wilson and Bailey Stockton drawing more attention, Abrams has already put up five catches for 96 yards through two games. Sumrall pointed to the big grab he made in Week 1 and said the next step is keeping that level up.
“TJ Abrams had the big catch Week 1, and I think he’s done some good things,” Sumrall said. “It’s about being consistent and playing at a high level.”
He also said running backs Duke Clark, Evan Pryor and London Montgomery have helped deepen the backfield, though he stressed that consistency will determine how far they go. Florida’s tight ends, he added, have also been valuable with their blocking, helping the run game along.
That physical edge will matter this week when Florida travels to Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama, to face a Tigers rushing defense ranked No. 23 nationally.
“We’re excited about SEC play,” Sumrall said. “The real season starts now.”
The next Gator Talk is set for Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.
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