Jonathan Bullard had more than Missouri on his mind.
The freshman defensive end visited his ailing grandmother in Shelby, N.C., during the week, but still managed to pick up three tackles and a team-leading 1.5 sacks on Saturday against Missouri.
He earned the first sack of his career when he dropped Missouri quarterback James Franklin for a loss of 8 yards in the second quarter.
Bullard returned to Gainesville on Friday night, according to a post on his Twitter account.
“The D-line all sat down with Bullard and we let him know that we are there for him,” defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd said. “We rallied around him. We gave our thanks to him for coming back knowing his situation back home. Whatever he needed, he knew we were there.”
Bullard returned the favor.
He and freshman Buck linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. have provided the Gators with two effective pass rushers off the bench.
On Saturday, Fowler started for Lerentee McCray, who didn’t dress due to an ankle injury. Fowler racked up five tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss.
The two headline a group of defensive line reserves that gives defensive coordinator Dan Quinn more flexibility.
More depth along the defensive line has resulted in the Gators being fresher late in games.
Florida has outscored opponents 68-20 in the fourth quarter this season and has allowed two touchdowns in the last 15 minutes of conference games.
Last year, SEC teams outscored the Gators 72-22 in the fourth quarter.
Florida held Missouri scoreless after halftime.
“Dan was able to, in dead-ball situations, sub an entire defensive front and put four fresh rushers into the game,” coach Will Muschamp said. “That was the difference in the game, us being able to rush four and be effective with four guys rushing, because that’s the best pass defense in America.”
Missouri quarterback James Franklin missed several open receivers and couldn’t get comfortable in the pocket, throwing a season-high four interceptions.
Down by seven in the fourth quarter, Franklin drove the football to Florida’s 24-yard line.
An incomplete pass, a sack by Jelani Jenkins and an intentional grounding penalty left the Tigers with a third-and-21 situation.
Bullard combined with defensive end Dominique Easley to sack Franklin for a loss of 9 yards, knocking the Tigers out of field goal range.
“Jonathan’s a young man that’s going to be a heck of a football player,” Muschamp said. “(He’s) just getting started, folks. He made a couple (of) really nice plays”
Bullard and Fowler impressed linebacker Jon Bostic with their ability to grasp Florida’s complex defense.
Defensive tackle Omar Hunter raved about Bullard and Fowler’s effort, and Floyd revealed his advice for the two freshmen.
“Can’t nobody block you,” Floyd said.
“That’s the way it should be in their head. Can’t nobody block you. That’s it. I’m going to out-physical you, because at some point during that 60 minutes, your body is going to give out before mine does.”
As they have the entire season, the two freshmen helped the Gators rush the passer.
For Bullard, there was a greater purpose against Missouri. He shared his thoughts after defeating the Tigers from his Twitter account, @JBullard90:
“I played a pretty good game ! It was for you MawMaw ! #ILOVEYOU”
Contact Adam Pincus at apincus@alligator.org.
Florida defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard tackles Missouri quarterback James Franklin during Florida's 14-7 win on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Bullard finished with 1.5 tackles for loss.
Freshmen Jonathan Bullard (90) and Dante Fowler Jr. (6) celebrate a stop of Missouri tailback Kendial Lawrence (4) during UF’s 14-7 win on Nov. 3 in The Swamp.
