As Florida’s starting center, Jake Slaughter, suits up for senior night against FSU, the redshirt senior will culminate a five-year journey at the University of Florida, where he oversaw the protection of both quarterbacks Graham Mertz and his successor, DJ Lagway.
Slaughter’s time with the Gators hasn’t been the smoothest path. He has endured two coach firings, most recently with the departure of Billy Napier in October. Despite this, Slaughter has consistently performed, earning All-American first team honors from ESPN, the Associated Press and Pro Football Focus. This year, he was placed on the Lombardi Award Watch List.