Florida’s football program has long been defined by its high‑octane offense, but coach Jon Sumrall is now turning the spotlight to a unit that often decides close games: special teams. At the start of every practice, the Gators run drills that emphasize precision, speed and discipline, a philosophy Sumrall says "maximizes player effort" and sets the tone for the entire session.
A Tulane‑born revamp
The overhaul began with the hiring of Johnathan Galante, a special teams coordinator who previously worked under Sumrall at Tulane. Galante arrived with two of his protégés: kicker Patrick Durkin and Australian punter Alec Clark. Both players were key contributors for the Green Wave and bring a blend of proven college success and international experience.
Durkin steps into the role vacated by Trey Smack, who set a University of Florida record with ten field goals of at least 50 yards. Durkin’s credentials are impressive: he converted 25 of 28 field‑goal attempts at Tulane in 2025 and earned special teams player of the year honors. However, his debut in the Gators’ spring game revealed a hint of nerves, as he missed a 49‑yard attempt as time expired, underscoring the pressure of replacing a legacy kicker.
Alec Clark, meanwhile, arrives as the team’s new punter. At Tulane he averaged 46.5 yards per punt and collected first‑team All‑American honors. His Australian background places him in a lineage of successful punters who have transitioned from college to the NFL, and Florida hopes his leg will flip field position in a way that fuels the offense.
The Gators have not seen a punt or kickoff returned for a touchdown since Kadarius Toney’s 50‑yard sprint against Kentucky in 2020. This drought adds urgency to the current push to revive the return game. Vernell Brown III, a freshman, emerged as the top return threat with 261 yards and five returns of 20 yards or more. To capitalize on his speed, the coaching staff is training a quartet of receivers — Eric Singleton Jr., Bailey Stockton, Justin Williams and Jaylen Lloyd — to serve as potential return specialists.
Galante stresses that successful returns hinge on speed and line dominance, elements he says can be drilled into players through relentless practice. The emphasis on special teams at the outset of each session is designed to instill a culture where every unit, from the kicker to the returner, understands its role in shaping field position and swing momentum.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the Gators’ special teams unit is poised to be a competitive factor. With Durkin’s leg, Clark’s punting prowess and a cadre of fast‑footed receivers ready to make plays, Florida aims to close the gap on past shortcomings and turn special teams into a genuine weapon.