The Florida Gators are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2023 season. One huge area of need was the pass rush. Team sack leader Princely Umanmielen entered the transfer portal leaving a huge void at the edge position. Head coach Billy Napier has landed one piece that is sure to help. JUCO transfer Brien Taylor Jr. announced he is committing to Florida for the 2024 season.
BREAKING: Elite JUCO EDGE Brien Taylor Jr. tells me he has Committed to Florida!
The 6’5 270 EDGE from Houston, TX chose the Gators over Auburn, Georgia, & Tennessee
“The whole town is invested into Gator football & I’m ready to contribute to a rebuild.”… pic.twitter.com/7ubLodEghj
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 11, 2023
Florida Gators Land Edge Brien Taylor Jr.
The Lone Star State edge chose the Gators over Auburn and Georgia. His massive 6-foot-5, 270-pound frame makes him a handful for any offensive line to deal with. He had this to say in a statement on why he chose the Gators.
“The culture. Everyone comes different out there. The whole town is invested into that Gator football and I’m ready to contribute to a rebuild. Even after coach Spence was let go, they pushed even harder to make sure I knew I was still a priority and everything was real from the jump. They like folks like me, I have never had anything handed to me. I go get what I want.”
Looking To Rebound In 2024
Florida still has some work to do. They could use some more defensive pieces to help stop the SEC offenses they will face. However, having starting quarterback Graham Mertz return for another season is helpful. The program has lost some pieces but is also in the mix for many of the high-level players in the transfer portal. This will be a team that will be hard to judge until we know exactly who has committed to the team for 2024.
Can the Florida Gators get back to the top of the SEC? It becomes more difficult in 2024 as more teams join but Florida should always be in the mix.