Gators newcomers Anthony Valentino and Daquan Newkirk join veteran Zach Carter on Florida's defensive line in 2021. (Photo: Jordan Herald/UAA Communications)
Carter's Corner: Previewing Six-Pack of Gators Transfers
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 | Football, Scott Carter
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By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — As former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa might say, the transfer portal has been very, very good to the Gators under Dan Mullen.
The addition of receivers Van Jefferson (Ole Miss) and Trevon Grimes (Ohio State) in Mullen's first season provided a boost, and defensive lineman Jonathan Greenard (Louisville) was a pivotal playmaker in 2019. A year ago, defensive lineman Brenton Cox Jr. (Georgia), receiver Justin Shorter (Penn State) and offensive lineman Stewart Reese (Mississippi State) became regulars in the lineup.
If the Gators are to contend for a second consecutive SEC East title in 2021, expect contributions from some key transfers preparing for their first season at Florida. Here is a look at six players who have joined the program since the end of last season that figure into the mix when preseason camp gets underway Friday:
Newcomer Daquan Newkirk brings 30 games of SEC experience with him from Auburn. (Photo: Jordan McKendrick/UAA Communications)
DAQUAN NEWKIRK (No. 44)
Position: Defensive tackle Height/Weight: 6-3, 308 Class: Redshirt senior Previous school: Auburn The buzz: The addition of Newkirk filled a position of need on the interior line following the departures of Tedarrell Slaton, Marlon Dunlap Jr. and Kyree Campbell. Newkirk is an SEC veteran who appeared in 30 games at Auburn the last three seasons. A Florida native, Newkirk grew up in Orlando and played at The First Academy. He started his college career at Mississippi Gulf Coast CC. In his first spring with the Gators, Newkirk made a favorable impression with teammates and coaches for some of the intangibles he brings in the locker room. Newkirk registered 28 tackles in 10 games a season ago, including 3 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. His nickname is "Red," one that dates back to his days in youth football. While at Auburn, Newkirk suffered two Achilles tendon tears during spring practice in back-to-back years but was able to return in time to play each season. He made it out of his first spring healthy at Florida and seeks to play at a higher level than he did at Auburn.
ANTONIO VALENTINO (No. 55)
Position: Defensive tackle Height/Weight: 6-3, 312 Class: Redshirt senior Previous school: Penn State The buzz: Like Newkirk, Valentino is projected to serve as a veteran cog in the middle of the defensive line who brings experience at a Power 5 school. Valentino – he prefers that surname to the Antonio Shelton he used at Penn State – appeared in 40 games for the Nittany Lions, including 10 starts. He recorded 51 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 6 sacks. His best season was 2020 when he started all nine games and finished with 14 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Valentino's strong center of gravity and lower-body strength make him a natural fit at nose tackle. He originally committed to Illinois out of high school but signed with Penn State, where he earned a degree in broadcast journalism.
Position: Cornerback Height/Weight: 6-1, 182 Class: Junior Previous school: Missouri (Spring 2021) The buzz: A native of Hattiesburg, Miss., Perkins signed with Southern Miss coming out of high school but was forced to enroll at Mississippi Gulf Coast CC. While in junior college, Perkins displayed the talent that drew the attention of college recruiters during his prep career. He comes to Florida from Missouri, where he spent spring camp before opting to enter the transfer portal. With the Gators in need of quality help in the secondary, Perkins found a home under the tutelage of first-year cornerbacks coach Jules Montinar. Gifted with speed, athleticism and overflowing confidence, Perkins has an opportunity to make a statement in his first season at Florida if his talent is as advertised. He had 12 tackles and an interception in five games a season ago.
The buzz: Few players have developed a connection to the Gators for as long as Black has without ever having appeared in a game. He committed to Florida in high school but did not meet UF's academic standards, resulting in his enrollment at Mississippi Gulf Coast CC. There, Black had a standout 2019 season when he finished with 46 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and returned an interception for a touchdown. Black is big enough to play linebacker and athletic enough to play safety, offering Florida defensive coordinator Todd Grantham with an intriguing skill-set. Black's enthusiasm for the Gators on social media the past three years while he worked his way to campus earned him bonus points among a segment of the fan base. If his play on the field can match his support of the program off it, Black's popularity will only grow. He is expected to compete for playing time immediately on a defense that lost a pair of linebackers to the transfer portal in James Houston IV and Jesiah Pierre.
DEMARKCUS BOWMAN (No. 23)
Position: Running back Height/Weight: 5-10, 193 Class: Redshirt freshman Previous school: Clemson The buzz: One of the most recruited running back prospects in the country coming out of Lakeland High in 2019, Bowman signed with Clemson instead of staying in his home state. However, Bowman is back in the Sunshine State and Mullen said he is eligible to play immediately in 2021. Bowman appeared in Clemson's first two games as a true freshman last season, but with star tailback Travis Etienne on the roster, opportunities were few and far between. Bowman's transfer to UF bolsters a backfield that already includes Dameon Pierce, Malik Davis, Nay'Quan Wright and Lorenzo Lingard, who transferred from Miami prior to last season. The group is deep and talented and Bowman enters the fray competing for an opportunity to show why he was such a prized commodity on the recruiting trail two years ago.
Just finished several ONE on ONE Kicking Lessons with Jace Christmann (U. of Florida) this week here in AZ. Jace is heading to Florida next week after training here working on his kicking and kickoff technique. He will be joining the teams summer workouts next week. Go Gators! pic.twitter.com/BgyWlZ2DzO
Position: Placekicker Height/Weight: 6-1, 200 Class: Graduate transfer Previous school: Mississippi State The buzz: A three-year starter at Mississippi State who joined the program as a walk-on near the end of Mullen's tenure as head coach of the Bulldogs, Christmann looked for another spot to call home after losing his job a season ago when Mike Leach took over the program. Meanwhile, following junior kicker Evan McPherson's departure after last season, the Gators needed help at the position, a win-win for both sides. Christmann made 32 of 40 field goals while at Mississippi State and 127 extra points, so he arrives with ample experience and accuracy. He will compete with former walk-on Chris Howard for the starting job. Christmann has a leg up as he was named to the Lou Groza Award Watch List last month, which honors the top kicker in the country.