Following an injury-riddled season with inconsistent play for Florida at the linebacker position, head coach Billy Napier revamped the room.
It may be an inexperienced bunch, but with the return of junior linebacker Shemar James, who suffered a season-ending injury in the Gators’ matchup against then-No. 1 Georgia last year, the group will have a proven leader to guide its incoming talent in 2024.
James will be joined by sophomore South Carolina transfer linebacker Grayson ‘Pup’ Howard, as well as a duo of top 10 incoming freshman linebackers in Aaron Chiles and Miles Graham according to 247Sports. Rounding out the group will be veteran sixth-year linebacker Derek Wingo.
Entering his third year in the program, James has already made a name for himself among Florida fans. He followed up his Freshman All-SEC campaign in 2022 by finishing second on the team in tackles and tackles for loss despite appearing in just eight games last year.
If James can stay healthy for UF for the entire season, he could be one of Florida’s most productive players while fulfilling a valuable leadership role at the inside linebacker spot.
Likely getting the start next to James will be Howard. In a limited role for the Gamecocks in 2023, the 6-foot-4 Jacksonville native recorded 19 tackles over 10 games. However, the former US Army All-American Bowl selection could have his best days ahead with the Gators.
Napier made a splash at the linebacker position in UF’s 2024 class, solidifying the room’s future and depth. Chiles was a consensus four-star recruit according to 247Sports, ESPN and On3. He was also named the 2023 MaxPreps Maryland High School Football Player of the Year and was ranked the No.1 player in the state, per Rivals.
Graham is a 2024 Under Armour All-American who chose to play his senior season at F.W. Buchholz in Gainesville to be closer to the program. The son of Gator great Earnest Graham totaled 59 tackles in 12 games as a senior and chose Florida over Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida State.
Rounding out the linebacker room, Wingo will add a sense of veteran leadership for the Gators. The Fort Lauderdale native has seen the program’s ups and downs throughout his collegiate days and will be seeking to cap off his career on a high note.
Contact Max Tucker at mtucker@alligator.org. Follow him on X @Max_Tuckr1.
Max Tucker is a senior transfer student at UF. After obtaining his A.A. in Journalism from Santa Fe College in 2023, he chose to further his education at Florida's College of Journalism and Communications. Max is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a specialization in sports and media. He enjoys golfing and going to the beach with his friends in his free time.
