The Gators’ Rock: Jake Slaughter earns more praise from ESPN
Earlier this week, ESPN released its “2025 Way-Too-Early College Football All-American Team.” Included on the team, as many Florida Gators fans anticipated, is center Jake Slaughter.
“One of the best pieces of news for Billy Napier this offseason was Slaughter’s announcement that he was returning for another season. It’s equally good news for Florida quarterback DJ Lagway to have Slaughter back in the middle of the Gators’ offensive line,” said ESPN’s Chris Low.
“Slaughter was one of the best centers in the country in 2024, and his experience, toughness and versatility will serve the Gators well in 2025.”
This past season, Slaughter manufactured a season to remember for the Gators and started all 13 games. He led the offensive line in total snaps played with 800 and received numerous accolades in the process, including AP All-American First Team honors and All-SEC First Team honors. He was also a member of the ESPN All-American Team.
According to Pro Football Focus, Slaughter ranked fifth nationally among centers with an offensive grade of 81.1. His run blocking grade of 79.0 ranked seventh nationally. He was the Gators’ most consistent offensive linemen alal season and led that unit with top grades in both pass and run blocking.
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Slaughter, a native of Ocala, is Florida’s second First-Team AP All-American in Billy Napier’s three seasons as coach. He joins O’Cyrus Torrence, a 2022 All-American who now is a member of the Buffalo Bills. Consensus All-Americans at Florida earn a brick outside the southwest corner of the Swamp.
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