South Carolina LB Howard joins Gators
GAINESVILLE — Incoming Florida transfer linebacker Grayson “Pup” Howard of South Carolina will return to his home state with a chance to improve a struggling Gators’ defense.
The Jacksonville native announced his decision on social media days after starting linebacker Scooby Williams became the 20th scholarship player to seek other opportunities following the Gators’ 5-7 finish and subsequent roster overhaul entering coach Billy Napier’s pivotal third season.
The 6-foot-4, 241-pound rising sophomore totaled 19 tackles, including 1 for loss, and forced a fumble during 11 appearances as a true freshman in 2023. Howard starred at Andrew Jackson High, finishing the 2022 season with 106 solo tackles, including 3 sacks, and 5 pass breakups in 11 games.
Howard was a 4-star prospect rated the nation’s No. 9 linebacker prospect and No. 115 overall player, according to 247Sports. He will have a chance to start immediately alongside leading tackler Shemar James, who had 55 tackles in eight games prior to seasonend knee surgery, and replace Williams.
Williams started 10 of 12 games, recording 53 tackles, including 4 for loss (1 sack), and forced 2 fumbles. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound was among the top-rated edge rushers in the 2021 class, but moved to inside linebacker where his speed caused matchup problems but his inexperience led him to struggle handling blockers.
The redshirt sophomore has two more years of eligibility remaining.
Williams’ decision comes on a busy weekend in the portal. Nickel back Jaydon Hill and guard Micah Mazzccua transferred late last week.
Hill started 25 games at UF, including 11 at the team’s STAR position in 2023. He thrived there, with a career-high 39 tackles, including 4 for loss (2 sacks) and 4 pass breakups in 12 games. But his career ended when officials ejected him for targeting Florida State quarterback Tate Rodemaker as he slid at the end of a run during the Gators’ 24-15 loss to the Seminoles Nov. 25 in the Swamp on Senior Night.
Hill’s loss was not unexpected, given he signed in 2019 and appeared destined to attempt to play professionally. But the redshirt junior could have returned using the NCAA’s COVID waiver to bolster the secondary rather than play a sixth season at another school.
Much was expected from Mazzccua after he transferred from Baylor in January 2023. He’d started 19 games the previous two seasons, but arrived with a shoulder injury requiring surgery last March and considered leaving UF.
Instead, he returned in fall camp and started 11 games at right guard, missing only a Sept. 23 win against Charlotte while he served a suspension for his role in a fight at the end of the Gators’ Sept. 16 win against Tennessee. Mazzccua took part in Senior Day Nov. 25 prior to UF’s 24-15 loss to Florida State yet still could have returned for a final college season.