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Jim McElwain was brought in to improve the offense for the Florida Gators, but the new head coach just got a big boost on defense.
Via his Twitter account and a post by Scott Carter of GatorZone.com, senior defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard announced he will be returning for his senior season.
For everyone wanting to know about my future as a Gator, One more go around! #TheRuturn http://t.co/c3M7NAfB22 pic.twitter.com/oaI2roImDy
— Jonathan Bullard (@JBullard90) January 5, 2015
“As a veteran player coming back,” Bullard explained to GatorZone.com, “I want to be a leader on this teams as the program enters a new era with a new coaching staff. I want to be a role model for the younger players and help them to buy into the future of the program.”
Bullard, who has started for the Gators over the past two seasons, brings a lot of flexibility to the defensive line. At 6-foot-3, 270-pounds, Bullard is able to play inside as a defensive tackle or even along the edge sometimes.
He was an important contributor in 2014 for the nation’s 15th ranked defense, recording 52 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
The Shelby, N.C., native will bring some much needed experience along the defensive line in 2015 as the Gators are slated to lose starters Dante Fowler and Darious Cummings.
Currently, Florida will lose four players early to the NFL Draft — Fowler, offensive linemen Tyler Moore and DJ Humphries and running back Matt Jones.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
