Coach Jay Bateman Talks Linebackers

While physical attributes and athletic abilities were discussed with Jay Bateman regarding players, he often emphasized the established standards that players uphold. The inside linebackers coach for the Florida Gators has seen not just significant qualities with players on the field, but off the field as well.

“The legacy you leave isn’t so much the great plays you made, but it’s how the room is after you leave,” Bateman said.

Losing Ventrell Miller and Amari Burney

Ventrell Miller and Amari Burney departing from the football team means the team loses athletic linebackers and role models. Miller and Burney were two prolific figures on the football team that would always go above and beyond. Bateman discusses the work ethic that Shemar James posses, and he said James has been inspired by both Miller and Burney’s work ethic.

As a true freshman, James played about 400 snaps, which is impressive for a true freshman. Miller and Burney have not only implemented their mentality to James, but also to players like Derek Wingo and Scooby Williams. Bateman credits Wingo’s and Williams’ improvement to Miller and Burney’s outstanding leadership.

Derek Wingo and Scooby Williams

Though Derek Wingo is physically limited due to his shoulder injury, he has shown nothing but resilience in the program. Even from the start of his football career at Florida, Wingo has had to be patient and wait his turn.

In a highly competitive environment, Williams has stood out as a distinctive player. He has shown the ability to be a flexible athlete in terms of adjusting quickly. Towards the end of the season, Bateman was being creative in utilizing Williams’ physicality and he responded well. He believes in his potential and is excited to work and develop him as a player.

Bateman on Austin Armstrong

Bateman touched on recent hire Austin Armstrong. This will be Armstrong’s first season with the Gators as the defensive coordinator and his career has been nothing but fast paced and full of excitement. Armstrong was the youngest defensive coordinator in the FBS during his first season with Southern Miss in 2021. Bateman highlighted how he’s easily able to bounce ideas off of Armstrong.

Who Has Caught Coach Bateman’s Eye?

Jaden Robinson is a young defensive linebacker who has proven to be the face of a multifaceted athlete. Going from being an edge to a linebacker, he has shown to be a player open to constant change.

Bateman discussed his excitement on Mannie Nunnery, a transfer from Houston. He described Nunnery as super athletic in addition to being a very bright player. Bateman had a relationship with him going all the way back to high school, which gave leverage to Florida in picking him up in the portal.