Ja’Markis Weston is one of just two players still enrolled at the University of Florida from the Gators’ 2019 recruiting class. Brought in as a receiver under former head coach Dan Mullen, Weston has played four positions at UF, including wide receiver, safety, linebacker, and now edge.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” Weston said on his career at UF. “I mean, I have no complaints. Going in day in, day out, working with my brothers, just being able to be here with them and being able to show them the ropes. Not self-serving, you know, being able to just bring everybody together as one.”
Back in 2019, Mullen raved about the three-star receiver out of Clewiston, Florida.
“I’m a huge Ja’Markis Weston fan,” Mullen said of Weston. “I think he’s a tremendous young man, has great potential, great athleticism, great size, but most importantly amazing character and work ethic for a young guy.”
Things didn’t work out at receiver for Weston, but he’s attempting to find a home at edge in his last collegiate season.
“I would say my natural abilities and I also played like defensive end in high school,” Weston said on what led him to the edge position. “So, that made it kind of fun. I feel like I’m comfortable. I’m at home now… I’m just trying to do whatever is best for the team.”
The overwhelming majority of Florida’s 2019 recruiting class transferred surrounding the head coaching change, but not Weston, who stuck with the program because of the bond he created with his teammates.
“My brothers. The love that I have for them,” Weston said on why he didn’t transfer. “I’d rather face adversity with them and instead of leaving them back. I mean, it’s bigger than football. It’s not all about me.”
This type of commitment is lost in today’s day and age of college football. Weston had every opportunity to leave the program after switching positions multi times, a head coaching change, and a lack of playing time. Weston doesn’t want to turn his back on his teammates and wants to do what’s best for the team.
“The guy runs 22-and-a half miles an hour at 240 pounds. And he’s a good teammate. He has some leadership traits. I think the players respect him,” head coach Billy Napier said on Weston. “He’s a guy that can rush the passer. And I think we can create some value for him on the edge as a normal down player that can help him in his career.”
Weston shared some freakishly good offseason strength and conditioning numbers with the media earlier in the week.
Bench: 525
Squat: 605
Power clean: 315
40 yard dash: 4.44
Max speed: 22.6 MPH
While Napier believes Weston can make an impact at edge given his physicality and athletic traits, there’s little doubt that he’ll positively contribute to the special teams unit.
“Ja’Markis was considering maybe pursuing the NFL last year. We had quite a few conservations. I can still remember where I was at when he called me and told me. He said, hey, coach I’m coming back. Because I thought it was a big deal for our team. This guy is one of the best special teams players in the country,” Napier said on Weston.
Weston primarily played as a gunner in 2023, where he led Florida’s special teams unit in tackles (4) and held the Gators’ second highest special teams grade across 88 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
“We had a rep the other day in half-line punt where he’s the gunner; Crawshaw lays up one of these lasers he’s been putting up lately and the guy catching the ball, Weston’s down there waiting on him. This guy can be a weapon for our team. He has an NFL future as a corps special teams player. So Weston, we need more guys like him, for sure,” Napier said on Weston’s value.
“I take a lot of pride,” Weston said on his special teams role. “Napier praises being a 4D Gator, which is all aspects of the game, offense, defense, and special teams. It’s also a big part of turning the ball over, putting our defense at a great starting point on the field. I take great pride in it.”
Weston will be a crucial part of Florida’s special teams unit in 2024, which is looking to bounce back under new ST Analyst Joe Houston.
“With Joe Houston coming in, him bringing his aspect in from the Patriots, the Patriots are great at special teams, they’re great at everything. It’s going to be a great year for special teams. I have a great feeling about that,” Weston said.
While it remains undetermined whether Weston will see the field as a defender, he has the ability to impact the game on special teams, a role Weston looks forward to.