Florida Football’s 400-Pound Freshman Is So Freakishly Fast That He Might Play Running Back” Stephon is a unique player,” said Florida head coach Billy Napier. “His size and speed are a rare combination, and we’re excited to see how he develops. He’s got a lot of potential, and we are looking forward to seeing him on the field this fall.”
Meet Stephon Shivers: The 400-Pound Defensive Lineman Who’s Redefining Speed and Size
The Florida Gators’ defensive front just got a significant boost with the emergence of Stephon Shivers, a 6-foot-5, 399-pound freshman who’s already making waves at spring practice. What’s remarkable about Shivers isn’t just his massive size, but his incredible speed and agility, which has coaches and teammates alike wondering if he could pull double duty as a running back.
Shivers’ impressive physical attributes are undeniable. At 6-foot-5 and 399 pounds, he’s an intimidating presence on the defensive line. However, it’s his speed and agility that set him apart from other defensive linemen of his size. Shivers’ ability to quickly move down the line and pursue ball carriers is a rare commodity for a player of his size, and it’s got the Gators’ coaching staff excited about the possibilities.
“Stephon is a unique player,” said Florida head coach Billy Napier. “His size and speed are a rare combination, and we’re excited to see how he develops. He’s got a lot of potential, and we’re looking forward to seeing him on the field this fall.”
Shivers’ speed and agility are so impressive that some have even suggested he could play running back. While that may seem unlikely for a player of his size, Shivers’ athleticism and footwork are undeniable. He’s got the quickness and agility to make sharp cuts and change direction on a dime, which are essential skills for a running back.
“Stephon’s got some natural running back skills,” said Florida running backs coach Jabbar Juluke. “He’s got the speed, agility, and footwork to be a effective runner. We’re not ruling out the possibility of him playing some running back, but our primary focus is on developing him as a defensive lineman.”
While Shivers’ future position is still up in the air, one thing is certain: he’s physically ready for the 2025 campaign. His impressive size and speed make him a formidable presence on the defensive line, and his athleticism and footwork give him the potential to be a game-changer on either side of the ball.
As the Gators continue through spring practice, all eyes will be on Shivers to see how he develops and what role he’ll play in the team’s success. One thing is for sure: Stephon Shivers is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of in the coming months.
