‘Bam-Bam’ twins aid Gators’ defense

GAINESVILLE — A lack of depth at defensive has thrust a pair of monstrous UF freshmen into roles.

Weighing a combined 675 pounds, 6-foot-4, 358-pound Tedarrell Slaton and 6-foot-4, 317-pound Elijah Conliffe provide invaluable depth and size at one of the team’s thinnest positions.

Known as the “Bam-Bam” boys, brothers or twins, depending on the day, Slaton and Conliffe also help pave the way for teammates to make plays.

“They fill up every gap — 300 pounds is hard to move on any scale,” said linebacker David Reese, who leads the team with 32 tackles. “It’s easy for us to run through.”

Slaton was an all-state offensive guard at Plantation American Heritage.

Slaton showed why last Saturday against Vanderbilt when he enveloped Commodores leading rusher Ralph Webb in the backfield for a loss.

A four-star recruit from Hampton, Va., Conliffe has occupied blockers, but he still seeks his first tackle at the college level.

With freshman Kyree Campbell out after minor knee surgery and starter Khairi Clark still not 100 percent healthy due to a calf injury, Slaton and Conliffe will be counted upon even more Saturday in the Swamp against LSU.

“We’re going to have to do a really good job with the ‘Bam Bam Twins,’ ” UF coach Jim McElwain said. “They're going to have to get in there with some pad level and play against some really good players.”

Next game: No. 21 UF vs. LSU, Saturday, 3:30 p.m, CBS.

Edgar Thompson tackle larger