Gervon Dexter Sr. embraces updated roles in new-look Florida defense
Heading into his junior season, defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. is ready to lead a new-look Florida defense into battle.
Over the last two seasons, Dexter accumulated 69 total tackles, mainly playing nose tackle or three-technique spot. Now, Dexter gears up to kick outside more often at defensive end.
“I’ll be playing like the end in this defense,” Dexter told the media on Tuesday. “Like I said, I’m a big team player guy, so if it’s a time where Coach PT [Patrick Toney] needs me at tackle or at nose, I’ll be there, as well.”
While defensive end is Dexter’s new home, he wants to have position versatility and will play wherever needed.
“I think a guy like me, I feel like I can play the whole front almost,” he said. “So, there’s no role really. Just wherever they need me, that’s where I’ll be at.”
Sean Spencer is confident in Dexter’s ability
Defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator Sean Spencer is excited to have a veteran on his defensive front, especially one who can move up and down the line.
“He’s a guy that really can play a lot of multiple positions for us,” Spencer said of Dexter. “So he can play end for us and he can also do some other things. So he’s just a guy that the techniques, no matter where he plays, inside, outside, those techniques will carry over.”
With Dexter getting by based on his raw strength and talent, the future is bright for the 6-foot-6, 312-pound behemoth.
“I’ve gotten away so far with me just being physically gifted and stuff like that. Coach Spencer coming in and just — kind of like a tune-up on a car,” Dexter said. “He’s tuned me up.”
Under Spencer, Dexter took leaps and bounds with his technique this offseason. Dexter could not say enough about his new defensive line coach and what he has done to help him.
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“I feel like with Coach Spencer coming in, it’s kind of been a blessing almost because the stuff that he teaches, I can’t even explain it. It’s crazy,” Dexter said.
“He’s just a great coach. He’s helped me change my game. I wouldn’t think this could happen, but in probably a month he’s changed my game, so imagine what four or five months could do.”
Patrick Toney glows over Dexter’s position versatility
With Spencer and co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Patrick Toney overlooking the defense, they are both elated to have a player with the size, strength and ability that Dexter has.
“He is a real flexible player, Toney said of Dexter. “I think the biggest thing he brings is length, obviously, at that position, and that’s why you want to put him out there because his length will match up with tackles in this league very well.
“His overall versatility, his basketball background, his athleticism, that lends to help him across the front. You’ll see him play in a variety of techniques and positions throughout the course of the year.”
Not only is Toney happy with Dexter’s game, but also his approach off the field.
“The thing I respect about him a lot is he spends a lot of extra time,” Toney said of Dexter. “Every great player I’ve been around has spent a lot of extra time in the film room trying to match their craft on the field, and that’s what he has done a really good job of.”
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
