One minute he is a teddy bear. The next he becomes a grizzly bear.
The juxtaposition of emotions shown by Dante Fowler Jr. is the most enjoyable part of the Gators this season.
Fowler, a sophomore Buck linebacker, became the leader of Florida’s defense when Dominique Easley was lost for the season due to a knee injury suffered while practicing prior to a matchup with Kentucky.
All Fowler has done in the two games since the Gators lost Easley is total nine tackles, including three for a loss, and notch two sacks.
For the season, Fowler leads the team with seven tackles for a loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
But the most refreshing part of Fowler is his willingness to be candid with the media at all times.
Fowler was disappointed with his performance during Florida’s 21-16 loss to Miami on Sept. 7. Rather than cower from the press, he spoke openly and honestly about wanting to play better and live up to the expectations placed on him.
When he won Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 23 after thoroughly dismantling the entire Tennessee offense, he shared with us his joy in beginning to realize his immense talents.
Fowler is open and he is honest. He is breathtakingly gifted. And best of all, he’s enjoying it.
“Look at me, I’m smiling right now,” he said Monday. “I like to play around and stuff. I just turned 19, so I try to live life. I’m still a kid. I’m not 21 yet. My mom still washes my clothes and things like that.”
Fowler’s playfulness is not just a joy to the media; he lifts the spirits of his teammates and coaches on a daily basis.
When Easley was injured and could no longer travel with the team, it was Fowler who ensured his Chucky doll continued making trips with the team to honor Easley, who is his teammate, but more importantly, his friend.
He even puts a smile on the face of coach Will Muschamp, who is generally known as the fiercest man on the UF campus. But how could you not love Fowler, especially when it’s not your backfield he is blowing up.
“Dante has a great personality,” Muschamp said.
“He’s a lot of fun to be around and coach. He’s a joy to coach. He’s always got a smile on his face.”
So how does a fun-loving 19-year-old transform into a terrorizing figure with the mean streak of a junkyard dog on the field?
“As soon as I wake up on Saturday, it’s game time,” Fowler said. “I’m locked in and focused.”
Through two seasons, a locked-in Fowler has become a bigger nightmare than the thought of facing Muschamp after missing a defensive assignment against an SEC opponent.
He is powerfully athletic and stunningly quick for someone who is 6-foot-3 and 266 pounds. His ability to read and diagnose plays in a split second is nothing short of amazing.
Next time you watch Fowler dominate an opposing offensive front, think about his mom still doing his laundry and his teammates watching him tote that doll everywhere he goes.
If we can enjoy Fowler even half as much as he enjoys being himself, everyone will be a little happier.
Follow Phillip Heilman on Twitter @phillip_heilman.
Dante Fowler Jr. (6) celebrates after a play during Florida’s 30-10 victory against Arkansas on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Fowler leads the Gators with three sacks and two forced fumbles in 2013.
