On Friday, Florida football bested the Tulane Green Wave 33-8, securing the victory in the Gasparilla Bowl. With the win, the Florida Gators secured an 8-5 season, their best since 2020. Florida’s offense struggled out of the gates, leading 6-0 at the half before erupting in the convincing win. Gators star freshman quarterback DJ Lagway tallied 305 passing yards and won the bowl game MVP, while kicker Trey Smack made all four field goals. However, one rotational defensive lineman for Florida football stole the show.
Desmond Watson, Florida’s 450-pound defensive lineman who is a fan favorite, checked in on offense with his team facing a third and short late in the fourth quarter. Watson took the handoff, falling forward for a first down and immediately hitting the Heisman pose, with fans going crazy via social media.
Florida Football Defensive Lineman Sends Social Media Into Frenzy
449-POUND Florida lineman Desmond Watson hit the Heisman pose after getting a carry as an RB ABSOLUTE LEGEND.
A four-year player with Florida football, defensive lineman Desmond Watson capped off his college career with his first-ever rush attempt. With the Florida Gators up 26-0, head coach Billy Napier called upon Watson, the heaviest player in the FBS, giving him a carry on third and one. Watson picked up the first down, celebrating by hitting the Heisman pose. Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter became the first two-way player since Charles Woodson to win the Heisman Trophy Award this season. Watson also recorded a tackle in the victory, finishing his four-year stint with 63 tackles, four TFLs, and 1.5 sacks.
Although Florida football quarterback DJ Lagway showed flashes of his five-star ability in the win, Watson stole the heart of social media users in the lopsided victory. A potential overnight social media sensation, Twitter erupted with love directed towards the massive defensive lineman:
Give him 30 touches and he's replicating the same season Ashton Jeanty had btw
— rodlo 🪬 (@roddystr) December 21, 2024
That’s every big man’s dream in football.
— Fearless Wisco (@FearlessWisco) December 21, 2024
Shades of Eddie lacy
— Kyle Hinds (@kylehinds55) December 21, 2024
Big man got wheels!!
— Key (@Dao_Bod) December 21, 2024
Best play of the game lol BIG MAN RUMBLE
— Ja’Mar (@Maaaaaaster_J) December 21, 2024
The Re-Fridge?
— King Mark the T’ird (@OvidRioSpeedway) December 21, 2024
Is that Eddie lacy?
— Bullish Raiders Fan (@BullishRaiders) December 21, 2024
my goat
— Xen Jivi (@jivifn) December 21, 2024
Just the goat
— Mindset Haven (@MindsetHaven) December 21, 2024
The most photogenic D linemen pic.twitter.com/QOAzB3REjF
— HighTopRook (@lentzrookie) December 21, 2024
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Doug Engle, Gainesville Sun/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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