On January 10th, 2013, four star linebacker recruit Alex Anzalone flipped his commitment from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to the Florida Gators. The next day he enrolled in classes at Florida.
As a highly coveted prospect from Wyomissing, PA Anzalone hasn’t had the dream career at Florida that he may have once envisioned. During his first spring practice in pads, as an early enrollee, Anzalone suffered a shoulder injury that kept him out until August. As a freshman that fall he mainly contributed to the special teams unit. In the 11th game of the year against Georgia Southern, he suffered a season ending injury with a torn labrum.
Anzalone, however, did appear in all 12 games during the regular season as a sophomore and had a promising junior year ahead. He created high expectations during fall camp last year and he lived up to them in the season opener. Unfortunately, he again suffered a season ending injury to his shoulder in the next game against East Carolina. Another bright season by injuries.
This fall the redshirt junior will be back on the field with even greater expectations looming over him and with one simple goal in mind, “Ultimately, stay healthy,” Anzalone said Wednesday at team media days. McElwain preaches he’d never put a player on the field without being one-hundred percent and they have the same mentality with Anzalone’s injury. “We took the cautious approach this go around due to my injury history.”
Even though he will be limited in practice during fall camp, Anzalone said, “My shoulder is good. It’s stronger than ever.” He later on mentioned how tremendous the strength and training staffs have been. “I’m excited to get back on the field,” Anzalone said.
Defensive coordinator Geoff Collins was quick to mention how big of an asset Anzalone is to this football team.”Thought last year that he might be the best player on this football team. Showed that In the first two games.”
Outside of his playmaking ability on the field, Anzalone is a leader on the sidelines.
“During the season for home games (last year), Anzalone was right there encouraging the guys,” Coach Collins said, “He is well-respected and the players embrace that.”
In recent seasons, depth at the linebacker position has been extremely thin. The Gators will certainly need young guys to step up and help out the veterans. Anzalone mentioned he thought Kylan Johnson, a former safety now linebacker, has done an outstanding job of transitioning positions and will contribute to the team this fall. He later added, “David Reese is another guy who may see action as a freshman.”
Alongside Anzalone at linebacker, is veteran Jarrad Davis, who is considered to be one of the best defensive players in all of college football. When asked about getting Anzalone back on the field, he seemed very excited, “This guy is going to light it up this year. I hope you guys are ready to see what he can do…He’s going to make my job a whole lot easier.” These two could become one of the best duos in the SEC if Anzalone can stay healthy.