Florida football: 3 big impact sophomores for the Gators

Next season, Florida football will have a lot of weapons. But, the good thing is they also have a very talented group of underclassmen that will be looked upon. rnFlorida football has been known to produce some very, very good underclassmen. This crop is certainly no different.rnrnFreshmen heading into their first college experience are really expected one true accomplishment, and that is to find things. Find your classes, find your fields and areas of recreation, and most importantly find yourself.rnrnOnce your navigational skills peek, and life slows down, then you can zero in on the reason why you came: Football!rnrnWith all the rigors of the freshman year behind you, 5-star recruits can finally start to blossom and flourish just as they did in the environments they were plucked from.rnrnUnlike the freshmen, a sophomore is ready to perform without any nervousness. No longer carrying bags for seniors, or enduring playful hazing, these sophomores are ready for the bright lights.rnrnHere are my picks to avoid the sophomore slump and accelerate towards greatness with Florida football.rnrn[nextslide teaser="A%20talented%20defensive%20back" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_44195" align="aligncenter" width="3200"] MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Kaiir Elam #5 of the Florida Gators reacts after intercepting a pass against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half of the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Kaiir Elam, DB rnAfter losing CJ Henderson to the NFL and Marco Wilson to a torn ACL in 2019, the Florida Gators will be looking for a lengthy lockdown defensive back to step-up.rnrn(Queue your favorite entrance music) May I introduce to you Kaiir Elam .rnrnStanding at 6-foot-2 Elam is a long corner with supreme lockdown skills. In 2019 he had just 3 starts, but an interception in every one of them- including one in the Orange Bowl . In addition to interceptions, he also had 4 passes defended, and 10 tackles.rnrn[draft_board_item rank="1" firstname="Kaiir" lastname="Elam" position="Wide Receiver" league="5" division="78" team="840" link_text="Big impact on defense" /]rnrnHe has excellent one-on-one- coverage skills and seems to have a knack for knowing where the quarterback is going with the ball.rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeboXXhZIsIrnrnFlorida football needs his best in order to be considered for the playoff, and I believe they'll get it. If fact, I'll make a prediction and say that Elam wins The Jim Thorpe Award, which goes out to the best defensive back in college football.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Big-time%20linebacker" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_44197" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Bryce Perkins #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers breaks the attempted tackle by Mohamoud Diabate #11 of the Florida Gators at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Florida defeated Virginia 36-28. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Mohamoud Diabate, LB rnIf there was a defensive player who came out of nowhere last season, it was Mohamoud Diabate.rnrnIn fact, it wasn't until the fifth game of the season against Towson that Diabate really saw the field.rnrnHowever, as the season progressed, we got to know Diabate better.rnrn[draft_board_item rank="2" firstname="Mohamoud" lastname="Diabate" position="Linebacker" league="5" division="78" team="840" link_text="Potential stopper" /]rnrnWhile he had a solid game against Towson, notching two assisted tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss, it was against Georgia and Vanderbilt that Diabate made his name known to Florida football nation.rnrnAgainst the Bulldogs, Diabate assisted with four tackles in a strong defensive effort.rnrnIt was the next week, against Vanderbilt, that Diabate shined for Florida football.rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_YG1x1MBBUrnrnHe turned in three solo and an assisted tackle along with three sacks and a forced fumble that was turned into a touchdown against the Commodores.rnrnIn all, Diabate got some solid experience last season. The expectations are even higher for the Auburn, Alabama prospect to do even greater things this next season.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Nice%20hands" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_44198" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: De'Vante Cross #15 of the Virginia Cavaliers tackles Jacob Copeland #15 of the Florida Gators as he runs with the ball at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Florida defeated Virginia 36-28. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Jacob Copeland, WR rnIn 2019, Jacob Copeland made the most of his part-time duty, snatching 21 receptions for 273 yards, 2 of which for touchdowns. He was also called upon on the ground, having 4 attempts go for 28 yards.rnrnAlthough not extensive, his highlight reel features him winning jump-balls in traffic, getting off of the line of scrimmage with ease, and premium rout-running.rnrn[draft_board_item rank="3" firstname="Jacob" lastname="Copeland" position="Wide Receiver" league="5" division="78" team="840" link_text="Great hands" /]rnrnFearlessness and route-running aren't all he brings to the table; he also runs a 4.5 40, that coupled with quick bursts and jolts of energy allow him to get open.rnrnWide receiver Joshua Hammond offers some thoughts on Copeland.rn "He definitely has a lot of juice to him. That speed is one thing thats big with Cope, you saw it with the jet sweep and little plays like that. Those are the things he can take to the house. rnQuarterback Kyle Trask must look Copeland's way more often in 2020; not only to announce himself as a real contender to win the Heisman trophy, but to pressure defenses with all the talent "Jumpin Jake" has to offer.rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiiqM-yxjzIrnrn2020 is the year the Florida football to land back on the map; mark it down. These rising stars are ready for the next step, they will contend. Last season Florida won the Orange Bowl, which is nice, but its small potatoes.rnrn[story_link_next description="5%20non-conference%20opponents%20we'd%20like%20to%20see" url="https://hailfloridahail.com/2020/04/13/florida-football-5-non-conference-opponents-wed-like-see/" /]rnrnThis year they're ready for the whole steak.

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Florida football: 3 big impact sophomores for the Gators

Next season, Florida football will have a lot of weapons. But, the good thing is they also have a very talented group of underclassmen that will be looked upon.

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