Florida Gators Name Captains vs. Charlotte
A new week brings a new batch of leaders.
On Friday, Florida announced offensive lineman Richie Leonard IV, wide receiver Caleb Douglas, linebacker Scooby Williams and cornerback Jalen Kimber as the quartet of players who will represent the Gators as captains during the team’s Week 4 contest versus Charlotte.
The two offensive captains have each been thrust into starting roles during the 2023 campaign after seeing limited action a season ago.
Leonard, a junior, controls starting duties at left tackle for the Gators, where he’s aided UF to post 327 and 183 rushing yards, respectively, in the last two games behind the legs of Montrell Johnson Jr., Trevor Etienne and Treyaun Webb.
He’ll look to support Florida’s rushing presence, alongside left tackle Austin Barber, with three starters in the trenches — center Kingsley Eguakun (ankle), right guard Micah Mazzccua (first-half suspension) and right tackle Dameion George Jr. (first-half suspension) — sidelined in Week 4.
Sophomore wideout Douglas has compiled six receptions for 62 yards and a score in Florida’s run-focused offense, but has proven to be a positive aspect to the rushing game as an improved blocker on the boundary.
On the defensive side of the ball, Williams and Kimber have served as pillar to the vast turnaround experienced by the unit — currently ranked No. 10 in the country in total defense — relative to the past three seasons.
The former, a third year backer from Birmingham, Ala., has quickly asserted himself as a reliable second-level option for the Gators in 2023 after initially struggling with the transition to the spot from edge rusher upon his move to the collegiate level.
In Week 2, Williams showcased his impressive closing speed and newfound confidence from a diagnosis standpoint to account for the Gators first sack of the 2023 campaign. He continued the promising start to the year in Florida’s upset win over Tennessee on Saturday, compiling a career-high eight tackles.
Meanwhile, in the secondary, Kimber is having a career-best season, and remaining healthy, to produce as Florida’s best cover corner.
Despite accounting for just two tackles and one pass breakup, the former Georgia transfer has taken advantage of his high-volume usage to solidify himself as a starter despite his offseason competition with Devin Moore for the vacant role opposite junior Jason Marshall Jr.
The Gators contest against the 49ers is set to kickoff at 7 p.m. ET.
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