Defense Shines in Gators Spring Game

Last Saturday, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium was alive as a historic crowd of 56,563 fans watched the annual spring Orange & Blue Game. As the Gators look to replace veteran linemen Cam Jackson and Desmond Watson, the scrimmage saw impressive plays on both teams’ defense.

frames at the half. pic.twitter.com/0OaLKWtotx

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) April 12, 2025

Orange Team

The Orange team’s defense struggled to contain Blue’s offense in the first half, but gained traction after halftime. Leading the defense was freshman linebacker Myles Graham with eight tackles, including five solo tackles, and one tackle for loss. Followed by sophomore linebacker Jaden Robinson who had eight tackles, three solo and one tackle for loss, and one pass breakup. Other notable players include Josiah Davis, a freshman safety, and Sharif Denson, a sophomore safety. Davis had a total of four tackles including two solo and two assisted. Denson had three solo tackles and one tackle for loss and a sack.

Blue Team

The Blue Team’s defense shone brightly with several young players who stood out and played exceptionally well. With about four and half minutes left in the first quarter, freshman safety Drake Stubbs made his first career interception, forcing a turnover. Orange quarterback Harrison Bailey’s pass at Blue’s 30-yard line bounced off redshirt freshman receiver TJ Abrams’ hands, and Stubb returned the ball for 15 yards. The interception led to a touchdown by running back Ja’Kobi Jackson, ending the first quarter with a score of 14-3. In total, Drake Stubbs made eight tackles, including five solo tackles, an interception and a hit on the quarterback.

https://twitter.com/GatorsFB/status/1911108774993019317

Ty Jackson, an incoming freshman linebacker, had a team-high eleven tackles, including three solo and two tackles for loss, and a sack. In addition, Jackson impressed coaches and fans due to his speed and natural instincts. The 6’2 young linebacker is a promising addition to the Gators Football defense for the upcoming fall season. Other notable defensive players were Jalen Wiggins and Ben Hanks. Freshman edge rusher Wiggins had two tackles, including one tackle for loss, and a sack. And incoming freshman cornerback Hanks had two solo tackles and a pass breakup in the end zone.