Georgia Bulldogs: 5 Players to Watch vs. Florida

Oct 17, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) chases Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Lock (3) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Missouri 9-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

If there is one player I hope plays well on Saturday, it’s Leonard Floyd. For as talented as he is, his performance against the Florida Gators last year might stand as the biggest reason UF upset UGA. Floyd’s ineffectiveness in stopping the run crippled the Dawgs on defense.

QB Treon Harris routinely handed the football off to RB Matt Jones, who would then run between the right guard and tackle right at Floyd for big chunks of yardage. The Gators didn’t have to pass because this play worked just about every single time.

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Floyd has improved in his ability to stop the run. That was a major point of emphasis that he needed corrected before he enters the NFL draft this spring. Since UGA often runs Floyd at both STAR and ILB, I would say he’s better able to defend the run in 2015.

Like Lorenzo Carter, Leonard Floyd can ignite this Georgia Bulldogs defense with one play. Knowing Floyd’s proclivity for making big plays in the backfield, I’d say he will do just that a few times on Saturday. Leonard Floyd is not going hurt the Dawgs on defense in the Georgia-Florida game this year. This is a ‘prove it’ game for Floyd.

Next: Making The Most of His Last Georgia-Florida?