After a strong end to the 2024 season, fans are excited about this 2025 Gators squad. A young group, they return plenty of key talent. However, there are four Gators who accepted their invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl. With practices underway for this marquee event, fans will be eager to see the former Gators perform. With draft scouts in attendance, this is a perfect opportunity for these players. Unfortunately, no Gators are expected to be selected in the first round of this year’s draft. Nevertheless, these are all players who will indeed hear their name called. With a week of practices before the game, each day is the equivalent of a job interview. With a chance to climb up draft boards, it is imperative that these players bring their A game. Now, let’s take a look at the former Gators who will be participating in the senior bowl.
Former Gators Ready to Compete
Veteran Receiver
Receiver Chimere Dike arrived in Gainesville and immediately made a big impact on this offense. The former Wisconsin Badger already had a rapport with quarterback Graham Mertz. However, even when Mertz when down with an injury, he was still a reliable target for DJ Lagway. Dike finished the 2024 season with 42 receptions for 786 yards, adding two touchdowns in the process. A dynamic player, he also made contributions in the return game. The starting punt returner, Dike had multiple big returns that led to a spark for the offense. An older player, his draft stock has a chance to make a big jump this week. A weapon in multiple facets of the game, Dike could carve himself a role on any NFL franchise. The definition of reliable, with a strong showing this weekend, Dike could see himself selected higher than many expected.
Special Teams Weapon
The Florida Gators had arguably the best punter in the country for the 2024 season. Jeremy Crawshaw became a weapon for the Florida Gators in the special team’s department. With an average of nearly 46 yards per punt, Florida never had to worry about him completing his job. Dropping 25 of his punts inside the 20-yard line, Crawshaw helped the Gators flip the field. With a week of practice to prove his consistency, he could be a big riser. In the NFL draft, punters and kickers are not generally taken in the first few rounds. Even All-American punters often must wait until the 5th round to hear their name called. However, being selected in the 5th round by an organization often shows that they believe you can start right away. If Crawshaw wows draft scouts with his punts this week, he could start in the NFL from day one.
Monster in the Trenches
One former Gators player to really keep an eye on in the senior bowl is defensive tackle Cam Jackson. Listed at 6 foot 6, 342 pounds, he is a mammoth of a man. Coming on late in the season, he led the defensive line during their sack parties. The former Memphis Tiger, Jackson spent two years in Gainesville. Improving his numbers during his senior year, he is labeled as one of the most underrated players in the draft. With two sacks and two pass deflections, he is not just a big body. The key for Jackson will be his ability to stay on the field for crucial downs. Naturally, when a player is that big their conditioning is often something to monitor. Never struggling with this while at Florida, the NFL is a whole different monster. If he proves to be in shape, he could be a day two selection.
Linebacker Leader
Linebacker Shemar James was a player many fans were hoping would return to Gainesville. Instead, the three-year starter declared for the draft, content with his draft grade. Now taking his talents to the senior bowl, he might be the most talented Gator in the draft. A leader and veteran on this defense, he could always be counted on to make a big play. With 64 tackles and two sacks, he was always around the football. Adding an interception, James succeeded in all facets of the game. Not necessarily a top linebacker in this class, this week provides him with a huge opportunity. Draft experts have seen him perform well since his freshman year, although he has missed some time due to injuries. A well-rounded performance during these practices could lead to James being the first Gator selected. Specifically, he will have to prove himself in pass coverage.
Former Gators
Although there are four Gators participating in the Senior Bowl, fans may recognize two other names. Edge rusher Princely Umanmielen and running back Trevor Etienne also received invites to this event. These two former Gators entered the transfer portal prior to this past season. With both landing at SEC schools (Ole Miss and Georgia), they were not exactly fan favorites. Specifically, Etienne, after he decided to transfer to the Gators’ biggest rival. Both were thought of as big losses, as each player was a key contributor. Despite not being remembered fondly, these are two talented players who could hear their name called early on. For Umanmielen, he is labeled by many draft experts as a first-round pick. Tallying up an impressive 10.5 sacks, he is in line to crack the first round. Etienne, however, did not have the same luck at his new home, struggling to remain healthy.
Main Image: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
