GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Senior linebacker
David Reese II was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by the conference on Monday.
Reese II was a force for the Gators' defense in Saturday's comeback win against Kentucky, as the Farmington, Mich. native recorded a career and game-high 16 tackles (13 solo, 3 assisted) to top his previous career high of 14 – a total he has reached twice in his career. Reese II's impact was most notably felt at the end of the third quarter in Saturday night's game, when he stopped Kentucky's Asim Rose on a fourth-and-1 run to force a critical turnover on downs and set up the eventual comeback for the Gators.
The last Gator to tally 16 tackles in a game was Antonio Morrison on Oct. 3, 2015 against Ole Miss.
Additionally, Reese II leads the Gators with 23 total tackles, placing him fourth among the conference.
The Gators are back at the Swamp this Saturday, Sept. 21, hosting Tennessee in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at 12 p.m. on ESPN.
Champions Parade:
The University Athletic Association has found a new way to honor its former conference champions who are back in Gainesville for a reunion.
For the first time, fans can look forward to a "Champions Parade" prior to the team arriving for Gator Walk on Sept. 21. Complete details are still being finalized, but fans are encouraged to make their way to Gator Walk Village about 2.5 hours before kickoff that day for the parade.
Here are the complete list of teams being honored:
- 1969 Men's Tennis - 50 Years
- 1994 Men's Tennis - 25 Years
- 1994 Football - 25 Years
- 1994 Men's Golf - 25 Years
- 1994 Women's Swimming & Diving - 25 Years
- 1994 Volleyball - 25 Years
- 2009 Women's Swimming & Diving - 10 Years
- 2009 Women's Cross Country - 10 Years
- 2009 Soccer - 10 Years
- 2009 Softball - 10 Years
- 2009 Women's Track & Field - 10 Years
In addition, the Gators five conference championship teams from 2018-19 will be recognized with the reunion champions (Men's Swimming and Diving, Gymnastics, Lacrosse, Men's Indoor Track and Field, Men's Tennis) at the game.