LOOK: Florida announces Week 2 game captains vs. Kentucky
Florida has unveiled their game captains ahead of a highly anticipated SEC east matchup with Kentucky.
Kingsley Eguakun, Amari Burney, Jordan Pouncey and Xzavier Henderson are the four captains for the matchup against the Wildcats in the Swamp. Three of the players — Eguakun, Pouncey and Henderson — are on offense and Burney is a linebacker who had the game-sealing interception against Utah in Week 1.
Florida is set to take on Kentucky at 7 p.m. this Saturday, seeking to avenge a loss at the hands of the Wildcats last year. Kentucky topped the Gators, 20-13, and Florida is ready to return the favor with these four — and new head coach Billy Napier — leading the way.
Burney was the hero in Week 1 against Utah with his late interception
The Gators escaped the Utes by the skin of their teeth metaphorically, and by the hands of Burney literally, on Saturday night in Gainesville. Following the 29-26 victory, Napier reflected on the game-sealing interception by the fifth-year senior linebacker.
“Amari Burney is one of my favorite players on the team,” Napier said at his post-game press conference. “I mean, this guy’s played… like 1,600 snaps here, right? I call him ‘old man’ all the time. We’re thankful for Amari. He’s got character, he’s a great communicator. He makes the players around him better.
“He is a guy who, really, has risen to the occasion in terms of that position and what we needed. To see him, to see that guy make the play, I think that’s a special moment for that locker room because they love Amari Burney.”
Burney’s interception, which came on 2nd and goal with :22 left in the game, ended a game that otherwise could’ve gone to overtime.
Utah, on the doorstep of Florida’s endzone, trailing 29-26, had a tie more-or-less in hand barring disaster. Disaster came for Utah, and ecstasy ensued for Florida and the fans packing Ben Hill Griffin Stadium after Burney secured Cameron Rising’s second down pass for the turnover.