Gator Country

Gators defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr. (6) combined with fellow freshman Jonathan Bullard for 53 tackles and four sacks this season. / Gator Country photo by Wes Hall

The Florida football program was again reminded of how bright the future appears to be in Gainesville as the Gators had four freshmen named to the SEC Coaches’ All-Freshman Team on Thursday. Offensive lineman D.J. Humphries, defensive linemen Jonathan Bullard and Dante Fowler Jr. as well as linebacker Antonio Morrison made the team for Florida.

The Gators were one of three programs, along with Alabama and Texas A&M, to have four players named to the team.

As Florida’s lone offensive selection, Humphries appeared in nine games this season and received the starting nod at tackle on three occasions (Louisiana-Lafayette, South Carolina and Missouri). Despite his youth, Humphries was an integral part of the Gators’ offensive line, helping pave the way for running back Mike Gillislee, who became UF’s first 1,000-yard rusher in eight seasons.

The defensive trio of Bullard, Fowler and Morrison were the only players to appear in all 12 regular season games for the Gators. Bullard and Fowler, who were both heralded five-star prospects upon arriving to Gainesville, combined for 53 total tackles and four sacks on the season.

Morrison had arguably the biggest impact of any Gators’ freshman this season, as the Illinois native was called to step into oft-injured senior Jelani Jenkins’ starting linebacker role on a number of occasions.

Morrison’s signature moment however, came in the Gators’ regular season finale, when his jarring hit on Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel caused a critical fumble and recovery by the Gators. The big play propelled Florida, which was trailing at the time, to an eventual 37-26 victory.

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