Gators Stock Report: Greenard Goes Off, Slaton Steps Up, and More!

Check in on the weekly Gators stock report.

The Florida Gators went into Columbia, Missouri and took care of business this past Saturday, beating the Tigers 23-6. Florida has struggled with Missouri since they joined the SEC in 2012, but Dan Mullen and the Gators controlled the game from start to finish this time around.

STOCK UP

BUCK Jonathan Greenard: The grad transfer posted his best game since Miami, as the explosive pass rusher finally looked healthy after dealing with a lingering ankle injury the past few weeks. Greenard was given the Walker Camp Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts, as he ended up with six tackles, two sacks, five tackles for loss, and seven QB pressures, per Pro Football Focus.

While no one else on the Gators seemed to be able to wrap quarterback Kelly Bryant up. Greenard played lights out in both pass rush and run support, and the Tigers had no answer at all for his quick first step and his shiftiness off the edge.

DL Tedarrell Slaton: Slaton has quietly had a solid junior season, and this past weekend was no different as his name was called early and often against the Tigers. The Gators only took five defensive linemen with them to Missouri, and Slaton did his job and then some, controlling the trenches and helping the Gators stifling run defense. 

Slaton ended the day with four tackles and one sack, but his presence helped out his teammates, as he took the load off Greenard and others.

CB/STAR Marco Wilson: The move to the STAR position introduced us to the old Marco Wilson as he was flying all over the field in the win on Saturday. Wilson finished with five tackles, one explosive tackle for loss, and another interception which puts him at three picks on the year. 

The redshirt sophomore has all the tools to play a nickel and has adapted incredibly well since he started playing inside following the Georgia game. Wilson made multiple big plays, including his late interception and big tackle for loss, as he completely blew up a screen attempt to set the tone early for the Gators.

WR Trevon Grimes: The former four-star standout had a big day against an impressive Missouri pass defense, as Grimes finished with three catches for 66 yards, including a 41-yard prayer from Kyle Trask. Grimes showed why he will be a WR1 candidate for 2020 if he decides to return to Gainesville, as he has put an impressive stretch of games recently. Grimes ranks tied for fourth on the team in receptions on the season, at 30 catches on the year. The 6’5 pass-catcher is a very difficult cover for opposing corners, as he can go up top on you and make plays in space if you give him the opportunity.

STOCK DOWN

OL Brett Heggie: The offensive line was once again mediocre but given the conditions, they get a slight pass. Regardless, Heggie struggled again against a lackluster Missouri pass rush, as he returned to the lineup following the Vanderbilt game in which Ethan White started. 

White played well against the Commodores and could offer a slight upgrade to Heggie at right guard moving forward. I think it would be an effective move for everyone involved, as Heggie could move to center after the season anyway. White is a mauler and only gave up one pressure in 46 passing downs against Vanderbilt and will most definitely fight for starting reps this offseason.

The Gators will have another bye this week and will welcome the in-state-rival Florida State Seminoles to the Swamp at the end of this month to wrap up the regular season.