After choosing to come back for his senior season, defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard is making his presence felt both in the trenches and off the field for Florida.
Bullard recorded two sacks and nearly doubled his season total of tackles (seven before Saturday night) with five against Kentucky, and was named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Line Player of the Week.
Head coach Jim McElwain was wowed by his performance but said the senior’s leadership has been even more impressive and is making a massive difference for Florida’s entire defensive line.
"His day-to-day work habits are something that affect that whole group," McElwain said. "It starts with Jon and what he’s doing in preparation.
"It’s not the game. The game’s easy if you take care of today. And that’s what he’s really done."
Defensive back Quincy Wilson also said Bullard has been impressive and has helped take pressure off the secondary, along with the rest of the defensive line.
Although Wilson is too focused on the receivers to notice during the game, Bullard has stood out to him on film.
"You can look back and see some of the plays by Bullard," Wilson said. "He’s always in the backfield."
Special teams a concern: Missed field goals, penalties and a lack of execution have plagued Florida’s special teams unit in 2015, and McElwain is particularly apprehensive about the kicking game after another poor performance Saturday night.
"The missed field goals are something that are starting to become a concern," McElwain said. "I’ll be straight up."
Austin Hardin's lone field goal attempt against Kentucky — a 34-yard kick — was blocked and McElwain attributed it directly to Hardin.
"The low trajectory — I mean it’s not like there’s a block issue in there as far as the schematics of protecting," he said.
Hardin is three-of-six on field goal attempts this season, with his longest successful attempt coming from only 37 yards out.
Florida’s field goal percentage ranks in a tie for 102nd nationally out of 128 teams.
Injuries: Running back Case Harrison, wide receiver Chris Thompson and linebacker Jeremi Powell are all likely out for Saturday’s game against Tennessee, McElwain said on Monday.
Harrison has an ongoing thumb injury and was "getting his thumb screwed together today or tomorrow."
Thompson suffered a back injury against Kentucky and was carted off to the locker room, and Powell injured his foot and had to leave the game after walking off on his own power.
Tight end C’yontai Lewis’ status against Tennessee is uncertain. The redshirt freshman injured his hand during practice last week and did not travel with the team to Lexington, Kentucky.
Meanwhile, linebacker Alex Anzalone’s prognosis for the season sounds grim.
McElwain said Anzalone, who suffered a torn labrum in 2013 and reinjured the shoulder, likely won’t play this week, adding ominously, "I think that’s one that we’re going to have to look at for a while."
Florida vs. Ole Miss: Florida’s Oct. 3 matchup against Ole Miss kickoff at either 7 or 7:30 p.m., depending on which network televises the game — ESPN, ESPN2 or the SEC Network.
The contest will be the Gators’ fourth night game in five games.
Follow Graham Hack on Twitter @graham_hack24
UF's Austin Hardin connects on an extra-point attempt during Florida's 14-9 win against Kentucky on Sept. 19, 2015, at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky
