Players to watch as Florida football closes season at rival FSU

On By Littum

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The Florida football-The Florida State rivalry is special for many players from the state who were recruited by both schools.

Florida Gators sophomore cornerback Dijon Johnson, a Tampa native, was recruited by FSU and committed to Ohio State before returning to UF.

“My dad’s side of the family, everybody’s a Florida State fan,” Johnson said. “They’re on the opposite side, so it’s personal and shows them why I chose to go to Florida.”

Florida (6-5, 4-4 SEC) will look to snap a two-game losing streak in the rivalry when it faces Seminoles (2-9, 1-7 ACC) Saturday night (7 p.m., ESPN2).

With a win, Florida can clinch its first winning season since 2020 and extend its winning streak to three games to end the regular season.

“It’s a great opportunity for the team to get our seventh win and get momentum going into the bowl game and into next season,” Johnson said.

Here are five players to keep an eye on when UF takes part in their matchup at FSU:

Florida football QB DJ Lagway

Lagway is 4-1 as a starter as a true freshman and will get his first taste of the Florida-Florida State rivalry. To date, the 6-foot-3, 239-pound Lagway has played with a poise and maturity that belies his age of 19, throwing for 1,477 yards on the season with nine TDs to six interceptions. The most important will be for Lagway to avoid mistakes and get the ball in the hands of UF’s playmakers.

Florida football RB Montrell Johnson

Johnson posted his second 100-yard rushing game this season and first since Aug. 31 against Miami, when he rushed for 107 yards on 18 carries and a TD in UF’s 24-17 upset win over No. 9 Ole Miss. The 5-11, 216-pound Johnson could be poised for another big day against an FSU defense that ranks last in the ACC and 106th nationally in run defense (181.1 ypg allowed). For the season, Johnson has rushed for 494 yards and five TDs at 5.5 yards per carry. carry.

Florida football WR Elijhah Badger

Badger is coming off another strong performance against Ole Miss, finishing with five catches for 87 yards and a TD, including 62 yards after the catch. For the season, the 6-1, 192-pound Badger ranks third in the SEC in receiving with 35 catches for 778 yards and 4 TDs.

Florida football DT Caleb Banks

The 6-6, 325-pound Banks was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after posting four tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in UF’s 24-17 rout of No. 9 Ole Miss. For the season, Banks, a transfer from Louisville, has posted 21 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

“We both came in the winter of 2023 and he was one of the most competitive and hungry players I noticed from the jump,” Florida sophomore defensive lineman Kamran James said. “Now he just shows up.”

Florida S Bryce Thornton

The 5-10, 210-pound Thornton has been a pleasant surprise in the back end of Florida’s defense with 34 tackles, one tackle for loss, two pass breakups and a team-high three interceptions.

“Bryce has been a tremendous bright spot that has stepped up in a big way,” Florida football coach Billy Napier said.

Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1