Junior Linebacker Jon Bostic - Stepping Up
Monday, September 5, 2011 | Football
By Sam Newton, UF Communications
Coming off his most productive season in the “Orange and Blue,” Jon Bostic looks to be a leader of not only the Gators' young linebacker group, but the entire defense. While still only a junior himself, Bostic tackles the task of growing up and becoming one of the leaders for the Gators.
The Wellington, Fla. native recorded 57 tackles in 2010, good enough for third on the team, but he brings much more to the table.
“He does everything well,” shared fellow linebacker Jelani Jenkins. “He's a leader and he plays fast. He hits and he's very talented.”
“I try to be more vocal and make sure the defense is aligned right and ready to do our jobs,” Bostic explained when asked about his expanded role.
The junior linebacker has worked for this opportunity ever since his early enrollment in January of 2009.
"Jon is on campus already and doing the things we want him to do… and should be a force for us when he puts everything together,” raved former UF Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach Charlie Strong about the then freshman. “He is relentless to the ball and has all the physical tools we are looking for in our big linebackers."
Not only does the inside linebacker have size, he also plays with unlimited range. Bostic, who played safety and running back throughout high school, never played linebacker before entering college. The former Palm Beach Central Bronco played at 215 pounds in high school but quickly packed 15 pounds of muscle onto his frame, without sacrificing his speed, once joining the Gators' strength program.
Bostic utilized his speed and safety instincts during the 2010 season to collect three interceptions, a total good enough for a tie for ninth in the SEC and a tie for eighth nationally among linebackers.
Bostic's hard work is not just limited to the athletic realm. He set his standards high right away claiming a perfect 4.0 GPA during his first semester on campus.
“My education is something I'll have forever. I take it very seriously,” Bostic stated. “I came to Florida to get a great education.”
The Health Science major is set to graduate in three years after enrolling in courses over the summer. Bostic intends to begin graduate school work after his anticipated spring 2012 graduation.
Bostic's rare package of size, athleticism, attitude and feel for the game can be attributed to his football bloodline. Bostic's father, also named Jon, played in the NFL from 1985-87 with the Detroit Lions. The elder Bostic lined up at defensive back for the Lions in 29 games and recorded one interception.
Although Jon Bostic Sr.'s NFL career was over before his son was born, Jon Jr. still reaped the benefits.
“Always being around football while I was younger really made it seem second-nature when I started playing,” Bostic disclosed. “My father played a huge role in helping me become the player I am today and will continue to help me become the player I want to be.”
Before his stint with the Lions, Jon Sr. starred at Bethune-Cookman University and was a sixth-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1985.
While Bostic's role has expanded this season, he still knows it will take a team effort to get where the Gators want to be.
“A lot of guys are stepping up,” Bostic pointed out. “I want somebody pushing me every day, making me better and that's what we are doing as a team. It's all about building team chemistry and doing things the Florida way.”
One teammate that has particularly gelled with Bostic is redshirt sophomore linebacker Jelani Jenkins.
“We talk a lot off the field and we try to gain as much of an advantage as we can,” Jenkins admitted. “We try to learn what the offense does. We're always talking ball with each other because we're probably going to be the ones who are together the most.”
Both Bostic and Jenkins, whose parents sit together at Gator home games, are slated as starters in head coach Will Muchamp's new defensive scheme so any time they spend together is invaluable to on-field success.
"I kind of know what he's thinking, and he kind of knows what I'm thinking at all times,” Bostic enlightened. “Any play we're out there, he knows that if I'm going to take a chance, I know if he's going to take a chance."
While there are still many unknowns about the Gators' 2011-12 season, one thing is for certain, Jon Bostic will step up.
