We officially have entered double digits in our countdown to kickoff. Over the next 99 days GatorCountry.com will run a “Countdown to Kickoff” where we profile a scholarship athlete each day until Florida kicks off against Toledo.
Today we take a look at incoming freshman Jay-nard Bostwick.
Recruitment
Bostwick was a highly recruited strong side defensive end prospect out of St. Lucie Centennial high school in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Bostwick’s scholarship offer list was a who’s who of college football powers with offers extended from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Florida State, Oklahoma, Michigan Notre Dame Texas A&M and Oregon to name a few.
Bostwick narrowed down his list to Miami and Florida and ended up pledging his commitment to Will Muschamp and the Gators in somewhat of a surprise fashion on national signing day becoming the sixth defensive linemen to commit in the Class of 2013.
Player Evaluation
Strengths
Bostwick is a very strong prospect that already has good size to play inside at the college level. Bostwick uses his hands well for a player of his age and that is something he will need to rely on at the next level to keep offensive linemen from getting inside on his chest. He’s relentless in his pursuit of the ball carrier and has a high motor.
Weaknesses
Bostwick doesn’t have the quick burst off of the line of scrimmage like you see in a player like Dominique Easley. Bostwick really needs to improve his get off if he is going to become a solid contributor this season. Bostwick has a tendency to get too high out of his stance and needs to work on staying low and playing with better leverage.
What to expect in 2013
Bostwick played in a 3-4 scheme in high school but will need to assimilate himself to being able to play in a 4-3 scheme at defensive tackle if he is going to get on the field as a freshman. In my opinion, Bostwick is a candidate to redshirt as Florida has a pretty deep and talented two-deep depth chart along the defensive line and Bostwick isn’t going to take playing time away from guys like Darious Cummings, Damien Jacobs or Jon Bullard this season.