Florida Gators Success On Offense Begins at Center

Just wearing the Florida Gators uniform means a great deal. However for center Jake Slaughter, another bite of the SEC apple is a personal one.

Through various trials and tribulations, the senior anchored the offense through rough times. Now, due to last year's late-season surge, establishing winning consistency matters. With 12 regular season games remaining, Slaughter can cement his legacy in Florida Gators lore.

Iron Man

Through 1,517 total snaps, Slaughter's ability to execute never waivered.. His play never suffered despite the turmoil and chaos around him including coaching and quarterback changes.

Last season, Slaughter was named first team All-American and All-SEC. The SEC prides itself on stout defenses, especially upfront. Slaughter ensured his quarterback stayed vertical and away from pressure right up the middle.

Skillset

First and foremost, the center's off-the-page intellect guides his path. Slaughter uses quick hands in concert with his footwork to win the rep. While possessing longer arms than most, you can see the fundamental aspect fall into frame.

Over the years, you can certainly observe a technical refinement that veered away from a power-against-power approach that does not suit him. In the run game, Slaughter's feel for spatial awareness and timing helps to prevent defensive linemen from blowing up plays by getting into the backfield right up the middle.

LOOK AT THAT BLOCK FROM JAKE SLAUGHTER. pic.twitter.com/t4lvvrSnbj
— InAllKindsOfWeather.com (@AllKindsWeather) October 20, 2024

As a result, the offense could move the ball on the ground up the middle, while pass pro allowed for the quarterback to also take downfield chances.

The Glue

Like most centers, Slaughter stands as the leader of the offensive line and the only other voice in the huddle. Instantly, he can call for line adjustments, negating pressure before the snap. He automatically makes those around him better.

For example, Austin Barber at times played with not just confidence but aggression. He gave Tennessee edges a tough time, allowing the Gators to stay close to the highly-ranked Volunteers.

Bottom Line

Jake Slaughter does not play a glamor position. While he touches the ball on every snap, he is a valuable cog to the machine. Second-year quarterback DJ Lagway, like Graham Mertz before him, gets to enjoy a clean front of the pocket.

Florida’s Jake Slaughter, has been one of the most consistent centers in both pass pro & run blocking in 2024.

Allowing only one QB hit and zero sacks through seven games, Slaughter is very technical in his blocking ability, shows good awareness in adjusting protections… pic.twitter.com/TbvdkGcOnw
— Jake Hefner (@JakeTHefner) October 30, 2024

In the development of a young quarterback, the ability to plant and step up in the pocket cannot go underappreciated. With Slaughter as a team leader, the Gators will embark on a season to get back some of their lost luster.