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Florida Gators award scholarships to two walk-on players

On3 imageby:Zach Abolverdi•10/20/23•

ZachAbolverdi

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s scholarship roster grew by two players this week. Following Thursday’s practice, Gators coach Billy Napier awarded full rides to a pair of walk-ons.

“We’re fortunate this year that we have two scholarships that we can give away. And we have two players that we feel as an organization and as a team that are going to get scholarships,” Napier told his team. “I’m gonna say both their names, OK, and I want you to celebrate with these guys because it’s special.”

Napier then announced that redshirt sophomore wide receiver Taylor Spierto and redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Keenan Landry are now on scholarship.

“We made it, we made it,” Spierto said in the video below. “Thank y’all. Love y’all.”

“It’s great to be a Gator. It feels great,” Landry said. “We’re about to go to work.”

Spierto and Landry received hugs from Napier, their teammates and position coaches. Both took to social media on Friday after the video was released.

“Proudest moment of my life,” Landry posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Thank God and everyone who’s been behind me for giving me the opportunity to be in this position.”

Spierto posted, “So blessed to be apart of this team. All the glory to God. Go Gators.”

Spierto joined the team as a walk-on in 2021 and made his collegiate debut last season against Eastern Washington. He’s seen action in all seven games this season, making his first career reception against McNeese and catching a 10-yard pass vs. Vanderbilt.

Landry transferred from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and redshirted last season, making his UF debut against Eastern Washington. He has appeared in one game this year vs. McNeese.

Three Gators walk-ons now on scholarship

Spierto and Landry are the third walk-on players who’ve been awarded scholarship for this fall, joining redshirt sophomore receiver Kahleil Jackson.

Napier delivered the news to Jackson in the offseason and named him a starting receiver after training camp. He has 12 catches for 161 yards this year.

Jackson caught his first career touchdown in Florida’s win over South Carolina last Saturday. The scoring play was set up by his diving 45-yard reception.

“I would say from the jump, Kahleil’s been a guy from an ability standpoint,” Napier told Gators Online at SEC Media Days. “He’s got talent, and he’s earned it.”

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