[UF:2024] Special Senior Send off.

[Weeze]

Heroes Get Remembered

But Legends Never Die
 

Sr RB Ryan Bowman 23 Attempts, 234 yards for 2 Touchdowns, 6 Catches on 9 Targets for 39 yards, 1 receiving Touchdown. Vs FSU
 

          The Florida Gators 2024 Season has come to an end, and it is a bit of a mix bag. The Gators came into this season with one of the toughest schedules in the country, and a lot of talk about who would lead this team. Even the coaching staff seemed unsure who was going to start at many of the positions. There was only one position on the offense that was locked down. Runningback Ryan Bowman took the starting job 2 seasons ago, half way through the year and never gave it back. The then true sophomore has been the heart and soul of the Gator offense the last few seasons, and has truly become a fan favorite, as well as a respected player around the NCAA. The Senior ran his way through the FSU defense in his final game of the 2024 season, and helped secure the first win against their instate rival in Tallahassee. But he is not the only senior leaving behind a legacy for the many Freshman to live up to. The Gators finished the season 4-8, but the Freshman heavy team were very close to finishing the season 8-4. The future is bright, with more than one coach claiming the Gators to be a team to watch in a season or two, as they could potentially be up to something special in the swamp. But this isn't about the future, this is about the past and celebrating the legacies of the young men who are paving the way for players like Edward Watkins, Max Howard and Edgar Mendoza. 

 

RB Ryan Bowman, 32 Games, 562 Rushing attempts, 3049 Rushing yards for 28 touchdowns, 5.4 YPC,
146 Receptions on 197 Targets for 974 yards, 7 Touchdowns

 

          As mentioned above, Ryan Bowman was the heart and soul of this offense. He became a full time starter last season in 2023, and was the primal focal point of a very run heavy offense. on 197 attempts, he powered forward with 1411 rushing yards and ended the season with 11 touchdowns. During this season he shared touches with RB Mason Matthews, FB Tommy Murton and QB Shareece Kelly who all ended the season with over a 135 touches themselves. While he had fewer touches this season with a more pass focused offense, Bowman still managed 947 yards and 9 touchdowns behind a very young offensive line. If Florida could find a way to bring him back for one more season, he could run behind an offensive line with some experience who would be able to open the run lanes a little more. He could easily break his 11 Touchdown season and probably end the year with another 1000 yard season. But as it currently stands, over 3000 yards and almost 30 touchdowns in 2.5 seasons is nothing to sneer at. Bowman was also a very reliable target for his QBs as he racked up almost 1000 yards and 7 touchdowns the last two seasons. Most of his receptions came from behind the line on screens and dump off passes. to bail out his QB when he was in trouble. 

 

WR Bruce Gedeon, 36 Games, 109 Receptions on 180 Targets for 1695 Yards, 13 Touchdowns

 

          Bruce Gedeon will not be a household name, and even for loyal diehard Gators, his name might be a little fuzzy. Why? Well up until this season, he hadn't done much of anything. In fact, many fans were upset when the final depth chart was released, and he was listed as WR1 over freshman Edward Watkins. With a full season behind us...Coach Weeze made the right call. Gedeon Exploded this season and became a favorite Target for Max Howard. He was the only body in the WR room with any experience, and it became very important for Howard. Before this season, Bruce only recorded 308 yards receiving. He went on to finish his Florida Career as the all time leader in yards, receptions, targets, touchdowns and Game appearances. His Experience wasn't just the most in the WR room, he also now leads all former Gators with his 36 stat sheet appearances. Should be noted, Ryan Bowman is 2nd with 32. Not a bad Senior season to have, and he should become an inspiring story for other young Gators looking to leave an impact on the Gator record books. This season he was targeted 118 times, for 83 receptions, 1387 yards and 9 touchdowns. Each of those 4 numbers are also a single season record for the Gators. So it is safe to say, Mr Bruce Gedeon wrote the Record book for the Gators. A book he hopes is rewritten very soon.
"These coaches man, they are bringing in some dawgs this season. they went out and got a 5*, and a couple 4* receivers to replace me. Plus they got Ed(Edward Watkins) already here... and he has really been coming along the last couple weeks... he's going to be great next season and the years to come. I'm excited. I hope they break and double everything I've done. I don't want to be remembered in the years to come..I want my name forgotten quick because that means this school... this team that ive given so much of myself to.. it means they are doing great things and reaching new heights." These words came from Gedeon about his records following their big win over FSU, where he had five receptions on 6 targets for 148 yards, and two touchdowns. Another big game for a senior going out. 

 

SS/CB Chris Nieves, 30 Games, 140 tackles, 7 asst tackles, 1 TFL, 1 FF, 7 Int

 

          Chris Nieves is the only Senior Defensive player who will make this list. Nieves has been a staple part of the defense the last couple seasons. His 140 tackles  is second to only now NFL talent and former starting ILB, Keenan Williams(163). The next closest player only has 101 tackles. Safe to say these two were tackling machines. Nieves is also special in that he has played multiple roles for the Gators. He played Corner the majority of last season before moving back to safety this season. His 7 Career interceptions also lead the team. However... we don't expect that to last long as Freshman CB Edgar Mendoza already has 4, and the defense should be getting better next season and the season after. But for now his 7 stands apart as well. A common theme with the seniors going out, he to made a big impact on the game against FSU. He lead the defense with 6 tackles, and managed to pick off Colt Mcintyre as well. His Int lead to a 32 yard Touchdown pass from Howard on the very next play.

 

 C Tim Grugier-Hill, 33 Games,

 

          Center Tim Grugier-Hill Has been a long time Gator and presence on that Offensive line. He has been a star at the position and has been pro ready the last couple seasons. He will be drafted by an NFL team and they will be lucky to have him. A very very underrated center, Grugier-Hill has been and continues to be one of the best Centers in the SEC. Coaches love his ability to move and shift his feet(A+ agility), and few defenders can beat this man off the ball and push pass him as he continues to bully the middle of defenses(A+ Strength). Many lineman have a natural preference to Run blocking or pass blocking,  that can not be said for Tim as he has played in three very difference offenses and has excelled at all 3. Each has required the line to do something different. Though, he probably gets a slight nod as a passblocker( PB A, RB A-). Tim Grugier-Hill will be sorely missed.