Florida vs. Georgia: Gators Name Team Captains for Rivalry Matchup

Florida appointed four captains for its rivalry matchup with Georgia on Saturday.

Photo: Florida quarterback Graham Mertz; Credit: Alex Shepherd

Quarterback Graham Mertz, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, edge rusher Princely Umanmielen and linebacker Shemar James have been appointed to represent the Florida Gators as captains for their Week 9 contest against the Georgia Bulldogs, the program announced on Friday.

Mertz makes his third appearance as a captain this season, just two weeks removed from a stellar performance in the Gators fourth-quarter comeback victory over South Carolina.

He accounted for 423 yards and three scores on 62.5% completion to help UF overcome a ten-point deficit with just over nine minutes remaining in the contest. He’ll strive to maintain his high level of play — which consisted of a previously unforeseen downfield passing game — as the Gators face off against a stingy Bulldogs defense in Jacksonville.

A key cog in the unit’s expanded air attack was Pearsall. The senior wideout accounted for 10 receptions, 166 yards and the game-winning touchdown reception on a 21-yard play up the seam.

The quarterback-wide receiver duo has proven fruitful for Florida on and off the field in 2023.

Defensively, Umanmielen takes on captain duties for the second time this season. He’s led the Gators pass rushing efforts throughout the current campaign to compile a team-leading three sacks thus far.

Second-level defender James has produced as Florida’s most consistent tackler and has become one of the undenied on-field leaders for the unit as a sophomore as a result. He leads the Gators in the category with 50 total tackles on the season — 19 more than the next closest player, safety Jordan Castell, who has 31.

Florida’s bout with Georgia is set for kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET inside Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., on Saturday. You can watch the game on CBS.

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