The first whole weekend of NFL preseason action is in the books and it was a mixed bag for former Florida Gator rookies trying to make their respective 53-man rosters.
While some had weekends they would rather forget, these rookies helped out their cause and should feel solid about their respective NFL debuts.
Ja'markis Weston recovers a fumble
Even among the more knowledgeable of Gator fans, Ja'markis Weston was an under-the-radar guy for Florida given that he was utilized almost exclusively on special teams as a gunner.
And while he went undrafted, the New York Jets paid solid money for a UDFA to get Weston to join them with hopes of being a special-teams ace.
Sure enough, in his debut against the Green Bay Packers, Weston was able to pounce on a muffed punt and came away with a fumble recovery.
Mecole Hardman muffs the punt...couldn't happen to a better guy. pic.twitter.com/au2IK21hKT
— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) August 10, 2025
Jason Marshall
Outside of getting an interception, it can be tricky to evaluate the afternoon of a corner without the benefit of the All-22 film.
But Jason Marshall with his performance from his first formal game of football since getting injured midway through last year with Florida.
Marshall is with the Miami Dolphins and took 20 snaps in a 24-24 tie.
He didn't have any tackles, but he also didn't give up any receptions. He was targeted twice, both of which landed incomplete.
Shemar James
Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, Shemar James is the type of player who isn't going to blow anyone away with pure athleticism, but he has a great game sense to him and should be a key contributor for the Dallas run defense.
Sure enough, against the Los Angeles Rams, James took 34 snaps for the Cowboys and racked up five tackles on the afternoon.
He was targeted in pass coverage just one time, which was a nine-yard completion.