Florida Gators LBs Pup Howard and Myles Graham Ready to Step Up
As the Florida Gators continue to build momentum heading into the 2025 season, two young linebackers, Pup Howard and Myles Graham, are poised to take on more significant roles within the defense. Both players are entering crucial years in their collegiate careers and are ready to prove they can be the leaders that head coach Billy Napier needs in order to make the Gators’ defense a formidable force in the SEC.
Pup Howard: A Physical Presence in the Middle
Pup Howard, who made a name for himself with his explosive athleticism and physicality in high school, has shown flashes of his immense potential in his early years at Florida. As a true freshman, Howard got valuable experience, and now, entering his sophomore season, he is ready to make the leap to full-time starter. At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, Howard has the ideal frame for a linebacker in the SEC, combining size with the quickness to cover a lot of ground.
What sets Howard apart is his versatility. Whether he is lined up against the run or asked to drop into coverage, Howard has demonstrated the ability to be a playmaker in multiple situations. His high motor and leadership qualities make him a natural fit to step up as one of the focal points in the Gators’ linebacker corps. With the departure of key defensive players from last season, Howard’s leadership will be needed more than ever to solidify the middle of the Gators’ defense.
His growth throughout the offseason has been evident, with reports from spring practices highlighting his improved understanding of the defensive schemes and his ability to diagnose plays quickly. Howard’s ability to read opposing offenses and make plays behind the line of scrimmage will be crucial to Florida’s defensive success in 2025.
Myles Graham: The Emerging Star
Myles Graham, on the other hand, is a linebacker who is equally ready to emerge as one of Florida’s top defensive weapons. The rising sophomore comes into the season with high expectations after showing promise in his first year on campus. Graham’s quickness and athleticism have already impressed the Gators coaching staff, and they believe he is a linebacker capable of making an immediate impact.
At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Graham may be slightly smaller than Howard, but his speed and ability to cover ground quickly are invaluable in the modern college football game. His skill set allows him to excel in pass coverage, which is becoming an increasingly important trait for linebackers in the SEC, where teams are airing it out more than ever. Graham’s coverage skills have already been highlighted in practice, as he has shown a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
With his high football IQ and natural instincts, Graham is expected to be a key piece in Florida’s linebacker rotation in 2025. The Gators need linebackers who can keep up with fast-paced offenses, and Graham’s ability to move sideline to sideline gives him an edge. Additionally, his energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and he is quickly becoming a leader among his peers, even as a sophomore.
Looking Ahead
With both Howard and Graham ready to take on expanded roles, the Florida Gators linebacker corps looks to be in capable hands for the future. Both players have the talent and potential to become stars in the SEC, and their growth will be critical to Florida’s defensive success this season. As they continue to develop, the leadership, physicality, and playmaking ability of Howard and Graham will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in Florida’s efforts to contend in a tough SEC environment.
In a season where the Gators are looking to climb back into national contention, these two linebackers will be key figures to watch, both in terms of their individual growth and their ability to anchor the defense. Florida’s defense will go as far as Howard and Graham take them, and Gators fans are hoping these two young stars can rise to the occasion.
