Gators linebacker at SEC media days names 4 teammates to watch

SEC media days have come and gone, and the past week has offered many delicious morsels to help tide the nation’s appetite until the start of the college football season at the end of August.

One story of interest for fans of the Florida Gators comes from junior linebacker Shemar James, who was one of three players along with head coach Billy Napier to represent the Orange and Blue in Dallas, Texas.

He had some encouraging words about his team’s secondary this fall, naming four members of the secondary when asked if there are any defenders on his side of the ball that people do not know about yet.

“Gregory Smith, a freshman that came in, Jameer Grimsley, another freshman,” James offered first.

“DJ Douglas…” he followed. “Got Trikweze Bridges, a transfer from Oregon. Those are some names that we have in the household right now that I believe are going to make a big splash this year.”

Gators four who will ‘make a big splash’

Smith was a four-star recruit and ranked No. 319 overall and No. 13 at the athlete position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at No. 262 overall and 19 at safety nationally in the 2024 cycle.

Grimsley was a top-100 transfer after enrolling early with the Alabama Crimson Tide but departed after the retirement of Nick Saban.

Douglas finished the 2023 campaign at Tulane with 54 tackles (39 solo), three interceptions, two pass breakups and a tackle-for-loss over 13 games with 12 starts at safety.

Bridges played cornerback and nickel at Oregon but switched to safety by coming to Gainesville. His peak came in 2022 when he started all 13 games, amassing 49 tackles (including a tackle for a loss), three interceptions and a forced fumble at cornerback that season.

Florida’s 2024 season opener

The Florida and the Miami Hurricanes open their schedule on Aug. 31 in Gainesville, Florida. Kickoff time is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on ABC Sports.

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