For much of last year, there were questions about whether then-freshman defensive tackle Dominique Easley would make it to a second season in a Florida uniform.
Rumors that he was considering transferring were rampant, and Easley’s four tackles in just six game appearances didn’t match the hype that followed Rivals.com ranking him the No. 2 defensive tackle recruit in the country out of high school.
But Easley stuck it out, and now he’s taking advantage of a fresh start under coach Will Muschamp.
“He’s definitely more mature,” junior defensive tackle Omar Hunter said. “He has the right mind going into the season. He knows we’re counting on him to play a lot. He definitely stepped it up.”
Easley said he felt homesick during his freshman campaign as he struggled to adjust to a lifestyle that was much slower than what he became accustomed to growing up in Staten Island, N.Y.
There were also reports that internal conflicts with teammates were part of the reason he considered a switch. Easley was a member of the freshman class former center Mike Pouncey said needed to “just shut their mouth and come play,” and many felt that Easley and teammates Sharrif Floyd and Ronald Powell entered UF with a sense of entitlement.
Easley even compared the trio to the Miami Heat’s Big 3.
Hunter admitted these conflicts might have played a role in Easley’s discontent, but Hunter spoke highly of his character overall.
“[Easley is] a good guy you can get along with easy,” Hunter said. “He comes out and he talks to everyone. He’s a good teammate.”
After originally denying transfer rumors in the spring, Easley confessed he considered a change of scenery, but said he decided to persevere through his troubles.
“I just wouldn’t let myself give up,” Easley said. “That’s a personal pride thing that I took upon myself.”
Hunter also credited himself and strength and conditioning coach Mark Campbell for Easley’s return. Both spoke to him often, with Campbell playing the role of a mentor.
Like Easley, Hunter came to UF with extreme pressure and high expectations, equipping him with the perspective necessary to talk Easley through his issues.
Now, Easley says he’s become wiser and has started making better decisions. On the field, he said he has improved his technique and has learned to read offensive linemen, while off the field he spends more time thinking about football and less time going out.
Hunter said Easley has taken ten big steps forward in terms of his maturity, and that the sophomore is working harder while talking less.
When Easley does open his mouth, it’s usually in a fun-loving manner or as an accompaniment to his much-maligned dancing.
“He has some weird dance moves, I don’t know where he gets those from,” sophomore guard Jon Halapio said.
“Those dance moves bring a little energy to the locker room if we’re having a dull day. If we’re not feeling practice, he’ll just come in there and start dancing.”
Said Easley: “I just have fun. … I just try to keep dancing.”
Contact Greg Luca at gluca@alligator.org.
After nearly transferring a season ago, sophomore defensive tackle Dominique Easley said he is well adjusted to life in Gainesville. He said he had trouble with the move from Staten Island, N.Y.
