Billy Napier raves about NFL future of Ja’Markis Weston as special teams ace

As far as Billy Napier is concerned, Florida special teamer and designated pass rusher Ja’Markis Weston has an NFL future. It just might be as a core special teamer, though, and not in a full-time role on defense.

But speaking about Weston during fall camp, Napier raved about the receiver turned ace special teamer. Specifically, Napier has been impressed by Weston’s mental handling of position changes and not maybe carving out the role he anticipated coming into college.

“Weston was a receiver when we got here,” Napier said. “He’s been a selfless player. He’s embraced the move. He played some safety and we moved him to edge. I think his — I respect that about Weston. He stayed the course, the degree matters to him and he cares about Florida. He’s been a great teammate.”

And at 6-foot-2 and around 240 pounds, Weston can be a real force coming down to cover punts on special teams.

Napier claimed the gunner has hit 22.5 miles per hour and relayed a practice anecdote to hammer home his point.

“This guy is one of the best special teams players in the country,” Napier said. “Guy runs 22.5 miles per hour at 240 pounds and he’s a good teammate. He’s got some leadership traits. I think the players respect him. But he’s a DPR man. He’s a guy that can rush the passer. And I think that we can create some value for him on the edge as a normal down player that can help him in his career. But, one thing’s for sure: When we punt the ball — we had a rep the other day in half line punt where he’s the gunner, Crawshaw lays up one of these lasers that he’s been putting up lately and the guy catches the ball and Weston’s down there waiting on it.”

And it was possible that Weston could’ve headed to the NFL after the 2023 season. He instead opted to return for another season at Florida, something Napier is eminently grateful for.

“Ja’Markis was considering maybe pursuing the NFL last year,” Napier said. “We had quite a few conversations. I can still remember where I was at when he called me and told me and said ‘Hey, coach, I’m coming back.’ Because I thought it was a big deal for our team.”

After the 2024 season, though, it seems Napier and Weston are probably going to be on the same page for what’s next in his career.

“This guy can be a weapon for our team. He’s got an NFL future as a core special teams player. Weston, we need more guys like him, for sure,” Napier said.