Christmas came early for Jake Slaughter, who jersey swapped with Chimere Dike
TAMPA, Fla. — Following Florida’s 33-8 win over Tulane, wide receiver Chimere Dike took the podium for his final time as a collegiate athlete. He almost logged a 100-yard receiving performance, finishing with six receptions for 96 yards in the Gasparilla Bowl.
Dike was one of several senior starters who committed to playing in the game rather than opting out and getting a head start on the NFL Draft process.
“I wanted to be a part of it and finish off the right way,” Dike said. “I think the adversity we went through at the beginning of the season really brought this team close and guys like DJ [Lagway] are the reason why I wanted to play in this game.
“I’m so excited for their future. … Obviously, I just wanted to go out there and play well and I think I was able to do that. I’m just glad we were able to get the win.”
That wasn’t the only thing he got. Unlike Lagway, Dike did not have his jersey on during their postgame press conference.
However, Dike had one with him at the podium.
“This is Jake Slaughter’s jersey,” he said. “Jake Slaughter, that’s another dude. Selfless guy. Works his tail off. Committed to the program.”
Slaughter can say the same for Dike. He approached him in the locker room after their final game together as UF teammates.
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“I asked him, ‘Do you think I could get your jersey up off you and trade it?’ He was all about it,” Slaughter said. “It’s something cool that I get to hang on to for the rest of my life and get to remember him. I got it hanging up in my closet right now in my parents’ house.”
Dike plans to get his Slaughter jersey framed.
“He asked me to do a jersey swap,” Dike said, “and it was instant. He got it up off me. So, I’m going to be hanging this up in my house one day.”
Slaughter only spent year with Dike, but the Wisconsin transfer left his mark in Gainesville. What made Slaughter seek him out for the jersey swap?
“That’s good question,” he said. “You know, we’re really good buddies. Him and I get along and I’ve got a relationship with him as a ballplayer and a friend.
“He’s the prime example of, if you come in and work your tail off and do things the right way day in and day out, it will work out for you.”
