The Florida Gators picked up their 5th commitment from the transfer portal when UAB defensive back Adrian Maddox pledged to Florida over Georgia on Sunday evening. Maddox spent the 2024 season with the Blazers after transferring from Alabama State. He’ll have one year of eligibility in Gainesville.
Maddox has put together a productive three-year collegiate career. The 6’3, 200-pound DB totaled 70 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and eight pass break ups in two seasons at the FCS level. In 2024, Maddox set a career high in tackles (44) and pass break ups (7). He also recorded two forced fumbles and one interception, in which he returned 99 yards for a pick six.
The Conyers, Georgia native played both safety and star / nickel with UAB. Maddox logged 134 snaps inside the box, 34 at free safety, 201 at star / nickel, and five at cornerback. The versatility is something I imagine Florida’s staff was interested in as returning nickel corner Aaron Gates is recovering from an ACL surgery. Florida likes to rotate their nickel corners at roughly a 50% snap share, so this addition provides much needed depth at a physical position. Maddox also joins a safety room that consist of Jordan Castell, Greg Smith III, Bryce Thornton, and newcomers Lagonza Hayward and Hylton Stubbs.
Maddox’s defensive grade of 77.0 was the highest on UAB’s defense last season, according to Pro Football Focus. In coverage, Maddox allowed 18 receptions for 187 yards on 28 targets. More than 50% of those yards allowed were yards after the catch, meaning he didn’t get beat deep down the field very often. Maddox didn’t allow a single touchdown in coverage with the Blazers. His NFL passer rating against of 68.6 is an impressive statistic and the lowest in UAB’s secondary.
Maddox’s coverage grade of 83.1 ranked 28th among FBS cornerbacks in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus.
The 6’3, 200-pound defensive back is a hard hitter, which is part of the reason why he’s been able to create four forced fumbles over the last two seasons. Just see for yourself.
Maddox is a physical defensive back that can do a little bit of everything on the football field, which is what makes this addition an exciting one for Gator Nation. Maddox provides versatility for the Gators secondary, similar to what we saw from Trikweze Bridges in 2024. He covers at a high level and has plenty of speed for his 6’3, 200-pound frame.
Looks like he’s with UGA now. That was quick.