Justus Boone will make first career start for Gators against EWU
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida co-defensive coordinators Patrick Toney and Sean Spencer will have three changes in their starting lineup when the Gators take the field Sunday against Eastern Washington.
Jaydon Hill, playing for the first time since 2020, makes his season debut at cornerback, while Kamari Wilson or Donovan McMillon will get the start at safety in place of Trey Dean III. Spencer’s position group will also have a new starter.
Defensive end Justus Boone makes his first career start Sunday, getting the nod over Princely Umanmielen. Boone has appeared in all four games this year, recording a tackle at Tennessee and a season-high three tackles against South Florida.
Boone introduced himself to the SEC in the conference opener, leveling Kentucky quarterback Will Levis for his first career solo sack. He finished the game with two tackles as well.
“For me personally, it’s everything,” Boone said of his big play against UK. “Coming from last year, I didn’t have too much playing time on the field. So, my first full series on the field, for me being able to get a sack felt pretty good.”
The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Boone redshirted as a true freshman last season after appearing in a pair of games, recording two tackles and half a sack against Vanderbilt and tackle-for-loss in the Gasparilla Bowl vs. UCF.
Napier praises growth by Boone
Boone, who switched from No. 91 to 12 this year, was named the leader of the “Wild Dogs” chant last month by Spencer. Florida coach Billy Napier called Boone one of the guys on the team that he’s most proud of.
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“When we first got here, the guy has grown up as a human being a lot. Just in terms of work ethic, attitude, discipline. He’s another guy who hasn’t played a lot of football. He had aspirations to get on the field. He’s one of these guys that’s earned the right to go between the lines and represent the University of Florida,” Napier said of Boone.
“Because of that, he’s given us some flexibility. He’s a guy that’s really developed well. He’s improved as a human being, and I think better humans make better football players. I think he’s a great reflection of that part. He’s improved as a person, and I think that has in turn affected his ability to play football.”
When informed of Napier’s comments, Boone said not being able to see the field last fall motivated him to step his game up in 2022.
“I really snapped into it last year, just to keep my head down, keep on working and keep on doing the things that matter,” Boone said. “That’s going to eventually pay off whenever it’s time for me to play, and I’ve just been sharpening up everything since there.”
