Who will hit the portal?

It was a crowded position and now it's inexperienced. They werent elite pass rushers by any means but they were solid.

 

I dont see any first round picks there but we should have a solid line of guys looking at sundays. Its been a long time since I expected as much from our line going in.

 

I’d say we’re more thin than inexperienced. Gumbs, James, McCray got a lot of snaps last season. We need to get both experience and depth in the portal at that position

 

Didnt all those guys split two edges? Not alot of experience either when you need four for two spots.

 

Kelby Collins to Bama.

 

Searcy seemed like he may have started to figure things out and produce. Sad to see him leave if he goes.

 

He and Jack would be solid players, but I don't think there's much chance of either of those guys ever being first day pics.

 

I’d say if “I’m kinda stuck in the middle” is in reference to going pro…I’d say staying is best for him. If he is referring to portal, then I’d say it’s a pretty tricky spot to be in. Graham has shown as a true freshman that he can make a lot of plays….Chiles too. And I think we got some highly rated LBs coming in this class if memory serves me right. So it might be a matter of how many snaps is he going to get. I hope he doesn’t leave but I get why he might, and I think we will still be ok if we do lose him.

 

Having started all 12 games in 2024 and returning to impressive form after suffering a season-ending dislocated kneecap midway through last season, James may either head to the NFL Draft, enter the NCAA's transfer portal or come back to UF for his senior season.

It's a decision he'll have to make when the Gators conclude the season Friday afternoon in Tampa, and James is still weighing his options.

"Not quite yet," James said if he's made a decision on his future. "Kind of taking it one day at a time. Kind of focusing on this game against Tulane right now, and then go through that process after that."

Discussions with his family will be had, and he'll receive outside feedback regarding when he would potentially hear his name called in 2025 NFL Draft, before a decision will be made.

"Kind of just the surrounding factors, like draft grades," James said. "Just who's going to be here next year. I've got to factor in that. Different factors — what my family believes. And just the best route for me to get to that next level."

One such factor may be the recent departure of co-defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, who accepted the defensive coordinator position at Houston, leaving the Gators in search of another on-field assistant for the third-consecutive year.

As much as it pained James and his fellow teammates to see Armstrong depart, the third-year UF linebacker understands Armstrong is doing what's best for him and his family, similar to James' upcoming decision.

"That's my guy," James said of Armstrong. "You know, off the field, on the field. He's a great coach. Great person. You hate to see him go but he's doing what's best for him and his family."

The Mobile, Alabama, native insisted he's not leaning in one direction right now, with his focus primarily on the upcoming contest with Tulane, where UF will look to secure a fourth-consecutive victory and conclude the 2024 campaign on a high note.

"Kind of stuck in the middle a little bit," James said of his upcoming decision.

It should come as no surprise that James would be considering departing Florida early, yet transferring away from the Gators to another program would undoubtedly be a blow to a UF defense intent on building on an impressive finish down the stretch.

 

Gators appear to be bargain shopping again.

 

Like with Gumbs?

 

It's the one position short on players now. Physically he'd be an ideall addition.

 

My initial reaction too however Jared verse came from Albany, Gumbs from Cincinnati, etc

 

PT/depth chart is part of the equation, too. Just like with Pyburn at edge. James will be in a fight for his spot next year.

I remember a good thread last month in Swamp Gas started by @bobbybaker86. He talked about how filthy the LB room will be next year with Pup Howard, Myles Graham, Aaron Chiles and Jaden Robinson.

That's what James is gonna have to deal with; so, keeping your options open is smart.

 

if i’m James, I bolt to the league. Been dealing with injuries and he won’t get the snaps imo to TRULY elevate his draft stock. I could def be wrong, and I don’t mean this in a bad way AT ALL, but he’s probably gotten as good as he’s gonna get college wise. I don’t see him returning and morphing into Andy Katzenmoyer or anything lol

 

As a selfish Gator, I hope he says. Depth at that position group is a good thing!

 

Or like with Douglas (two anecdotal statements rear their heads again )

 

Sure, and bargain shopping doesn't mean you didn't get a real bargain....he could turn out to be great.