Who is No. 21 for Florida? Meet Desmond Watson, imposing Gators defensive lineman

With Week 1 of the college football season in full swing, players from all walks all over the country can go viral. One of those is Florida defensive lineman Desmond Watson, whom opposing offensive lineman likely dread lining up against.

The Gators defensive lineman, listed at 6-foot-5, 449 pounds, is one of the most imposing players in college football. He moves well for his size, and has been a key figure on Florida's defensive line for four seasons. He also already has three tackles from the interior against Miami at halftime on Saturday.

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Watson, a Plant City, Florida, native, already has two tackles in the first half of Florida's in-state matchup with No. 19 Miami. The Gators trail the Hurricanes 24-10 at halftime.

Here's everything to know about Watson:

Who is No. 21 for Florida football?

Watson, who wears No. 21, is a key member of Florida's defense as an interior defensive lineman.

He's best known for his physically imposing makeup, standing 6-foot-5, 449 pounds, according to his Florida bio page . He also has three tackles (two solo) in the first half of the Gators' game against Miami on Saturday.

Watson has been an important contributor for multiple seasons at Florida, as the fourth-year player has appeared in every game since his freshman season in 2021. He also made 10 starts in 2022. Watson has 43 total tackles in his career, along with three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble and fumble recovery in three seasons before 2024. He finished with a career-high five tackles against Florida State in 2022.

The Armwood (Florida) High School graduate was a four-star recruit in the 2021 class, according to 247Sports' Composite rankings, who tabbed him as the nation's No. 367 player and No. 46 defensive lineman. Watson was also the No. 58-ranked player in Florida, earning offers from Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Miami and LSU, among others.

Desmond Watson stats

Here are Watson's year-by-year stats in college:

• 2021: Seven total tackles with 0.5 sacks
• 2022: 23 total tackles with a forced fumble
• 2023: 11 total tackles with a sack

Desmond Watson bench press

Watson said in 2022 his max bench press is 520 pounds, while is max squat is 720 pounds (although it could have risen to an even higher amount in the years since).

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Who is No. 21 for Florida? Meet Desmond Watson, imposing Gators defensive lineman