Gator Country provides you with five potential breakout players in 2024.
Redshirt sophomore TE Arlis Boardingham
After redshirting in 2022, Arlis Boardingham played in all 12 games a year ago, hauling in 26 receptions for 289 yards and four touchdowns, T-2nd most among Florida pass catchers. Boardingham is poised for a more productive season after improving on his route running and hands this offseason. The 6’3, 245-pound tight end has put on five pounds of muscle and has drastically improved in run blocking, according to TE coach Russ Callaway. Boardingham has the size and speed to create mismatches for opposing defenses as well as the ability to help Florida’s offense create explosives in 2024.
Sophomore edge TJ Searcy
Edge rusher TJ Searcy found a significant role in his first collegiate season with the Gators, logging 258 snaps across 12 games played. Searcy totaled 26 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, two QB hurries, and a forced fumble. Searcy graded as Florida’s best tackler in 2023 as he didn’t miss a single tackle and was credited with 13 stops, which is defined as a tackle resulting in a ‘failure’ by the offense, according to Pro Football Focus. Searcy looks like an entirely different animal on the football field as he’s gained 17 pounds this offseason and now weighs in at 262 pounds. Searcy has the bend and athleticism that’s needed coming off the edge. With his added size, he could be a difference maker on Florida’s defense.
Redshirt freshman DB Aaron Gates
This is my dark horse pick for breakout player of the year. Aaron Gates spent most of his freshman year recovering from a knee injury he suffered in high school, playing in just four games on special teams in 2023. Napier has praised Gates for his growth this offseason, which is showing up in Florida’s fall camp scrimmages. Gates is right in the middle of the star position battle alongside sophomore Sharif Denson. Although he may not open the season as Florida’s starting nickel / star, I think he’ll play a significant role on Florida’s defense in 2024.
Junior DB Devin Moore
This might be a lame pick because I feel like most people know how talented he is, but Devin Moore has only played in 12 games across two seasons and has never completed seven games in a single season. In 12 targets last season, Moore allowed just five receptions for 30 yards while adding one interception and three pass break ups. His NFL passer rating against of 42.4 was the lowest on the Gators amongst defenders with more than 75 coverage snaps. Moore is one of Florida’s better players when he’s on the field and I like him to breakout in 2024 if he can stay healthy.
Sophomore LB Pup Howard
Pup Howard transferred from South Carolina after playing in 11 games and logging 221 snaps as a true freshman, totaling 19 tackles, one tackle for loss, and a forced fumble. The 6’4 238-pound linebacker has impressed the coaching staff with the high level of energy he brings on and off the field. Howard has the ability to cover a lot of ground on the gridiron. He’s sneaky athletic and has potential to be a difference maker in pass coverage, which is an area Florida linebackers have not excelled at in recent years.