Florida’s defensive front just got a whole lot bigger and faster.
Stephon Shivers, a 6-foot-5, 399-pound freshman, is already turning heads at spring practice. Despite his massive frame, he moves with the agility of a player half his size. His athleticism is so impressive that in high school, Brentwood Academy occasionally lined him up in the backfield. Yes, at nearly 400 pounds, he took handoffs and even scored a touchdown.
The Gators landed Shivers after a heated recruiting battle. Initially committed to Georgia, he flipped to Florida in November before signing in December. Rated as a three-star prospect in the Class of 2025, he held offers from powerhouse programs like Michigan, Texas, Auburn, and Oregon. Now, he’s in Gainesville, where the coaching staff has a unique opportunity to mold him into a dominant force.
A Rare Blend Of Size And Speed
Few linemen at any level move like Shivers. His quickness for size is almost unnatural, making him a potential game-changer on the defensive line.
His massive hands and powerful frame suggest he’s more than just a big body. He’s a physical specimen built to disrupt opposing offenses.
Georgia Bulldogs commit Stephon Shivers has some big hands.
— Radi Nabulsi (@RadiNabulsi) April 14, 2024
He's here at the Nashville stop of the Under Armour camp. pic.twitter.com/4oPMsaV5ys
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Desmond Watson, Florida’s 450-pound lineman-turned-ball carrier in last season’s Gasparilla Bowl, proved that the Gators aren’t afraid to get creative. Could they develop an offensive package for Shivers? It’s an intriguing possibility. For now, though, his focus is on making an impact in the trenches.
Whether he sees the field as a freshman or takes a redshirt year, Shivers is a name to watch. His blend of size, strength, and surprising speed makes him one of the most fascinating prospects in college football.
