By Jackson CastellanoOrlando Sentinel Correspondent
GAINESVILLE — Florida football, in the shadows of the Gators’ ongoing March Madness run in men’s basketball, had quite the week despite straying from its original schedule.
The Gators hosted NFL staffers at pro-day sessions this week to show off the latest class of draft-eligible players and planned to play the first scrimmage of spring practice Saturday.
Instead, Florida held one more day of regular practice with a revised date for theopening scrimmage set for Tuesday.
Using standout pro-day performances from Desmond Watson and Trikweze Bridges as motivation, the Gators’ strengths are starting to show as the spring nears an end — particularly in the wide receiver and running back rooms.
“It’s time for guys to step up,” Gators assistant Mike Peterson said. “We are ready, man. … When the season comes, we’ll see how it goes.”
Pro-day buzz
A handful of Florida athletes moved their draft stock this week at pro day, but perhaps no two players made bigger leaps than Watson and Bridges.
Bridges entered the week regarded, at least internally, as a combine snub after a career year during which he led the Gators’ defensive backs.
“I was a little disappointed. In my opinion, I felt like he was a no-brainer combine player,” coach Billy Napier said.
The converted safety helped to reduce doubts at his pro day, posting a 4.38 second 40-yard dash and a 34.5” vertical jump.
Watson, whose massive frame is famous in Gainesville, put himself on the national stage after a 36-rep bench press that would’ve marked the best figure at the combine by three reps.
Redshirt senior running back Jakobi Jackson said the pro-day performances serves as a huge motivator, especially for the 2026 draft-eligible players on the roster.
“I was there. I watched every event,” he said. “Knowing that they really prepared for pro day and took the time out and grinded for that moment, it was exciting to see.”
Two-headed monster leading new RB room
Florida relied on Montrell Johnson in the backfield last season. His 100 carries for 593 yards and six rushing touchdowns made him a contributor on the field, but his leadership and experience is what really put him ahead of the group.
As a player who followed Napier to UF from Louisiana-Lafayette takes the next step in his career, running backs coach Jabbar Juluke will need to find his new leaders in the room.
“I think Montrell Johnson is definitely going to be missed,” Juluke said. “Fortunately these young men are talented, so we’re going to continue to compete and work extremely hard.”
The prime candidates to take over production for Johnson are Jakobi Jackson and Jaden Baugh. The two combined for 1,182 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, and now look to take the next steps as leaders in the locker room.
“We’re very confident,” Jackson said. “We’re ready to play the season right now. … It’s time for me to become that leader.”
New receivers impressing
There’s been plenty of attention around a Gators wide receiver room that aims to be one of the deepest in the country.
Tre Wilson and Aidan Mizell will look to be the most impactful returners while freshman Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson, as well as UCLA transfer J. MichaelSturdivant, have fans excited to see a refurbished passing attack led by DJ Lagway.
Even Florida wideouts coach Billy Gonzalez hasn’t hesitated to praise the talent in his group.
“Super excited about those things with that group,” he said. “They’re doing a really, really good job.”
The wide receivers have caught the eyes of other position groups, even defensively, as they prove to be one of the toughest matchups in practice.
“They’re so young and so athletic,” Gators junior linebacker Jaden Robinson said. “They’re gonna be the truth.”
Florida takes the next step of spring when it begins scrimmages Tuesday.