Gators Leaders Determined to Retain Roster

Graham, one of many current players that were born Gators, knows what it means to play for and value the Florida logo. Like his dad, former UF running back Earnest Graham, before him, who stuck at Florida after the departure of Steve Spurrier, there seem to be no plans to leave despite a coaching change.

“Oh no, I am a Gator and I am just focused on rallying these guys,” he said. “I’m living out my dream, despite the circumstances, I’m still living out my dream, this is what I prayed for.”

A part of a strong group of leaders in Florida’s locker room, Graham won’t be alone in trying to retain players despite the turmoil the program currently faces. For veteran senior Austin Barber, who is out of eligibility after this season, he hopes to help keep players in the Orange and Blue despite not coming back himself.

“I've been through it one time and I think I can be a guy that helps some younger guys get through it. I just love the University of Florida. This was my dream since I was in diapers. So, my family is really proud of me," Barber said on Monday. “I have a good relationship with all the guys in the locker room. Just telling them that I've been through it before and I stayed. I stayed for the program. It's something special to me, and I'm trying to pour that into the other guys and show them the program is important.”

Throughout a week of change inside the building, the approach of Florida leaders, from coaches to players, seems to be ensuring an emphasis on the importance of the Gators' logo.

While interim head coach Billy Gonzales has made such a priority in his early time at the helm, it is an idea seemingly spread throughout the entire locker room.

“It means everything to me. Playing for this logo, man, this logo means a lot to me and I am just thankful to be a part of such a great history and being a Florida Gator," quarterback DJ Lagway said. “I am a Florida Gator man… My biggest focus right now are these five games… It is just about me and my guys, that's what it has been about and that's what it is going to continue to be about.”

With five games left and a chance to turn Florida’s season around, the Gators roster looks to be in good hands while looking for two new ones to take the reins in the future. For now, the focus will continue to be on the next game rather than the next year.

“That’s above my pay grade, I don’t make that decision," Graham said on what Florida needs in their next head coach. “We just want a competitor, we want someone that can win, and whoever that is, I’m going to play my heart out for him and give him everything I got.”

With recent revisions to the transfer portal, Gators players must wait five days after the hiring of a new coach before their 15-day opening to enter the portal, giving players such as Graham and his next head coach plenty of time to make their pitch in hopes to retain the roster.