Ja'Markis Weston shocks with impressive bench press
The Florida Gators are deep into its offseason program preparing for the 2023 football season. With just days before SEC Media Days and just about one month to the start of camp, the team has been in the weight room. This week, senior Ja’Markis Weston took the top off of the gym at the Heavener Football Complex.
Weston is seen on one of Florida’s listing racks setting up for a bench press. The rest of his workout group is surrounding him. With 425 pounds loaded on the bar, Weston moved the weight with ease. That sent the lifting group into a frenzy with, what must be a new personal best for the former receiver, now defensive back.
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Weston made the move from offense to defense before spring practice. He spent the first four years at Florida playing receiver but mostly made his impact on special teams.
“Last year, he was a gunner for us. I said I’ve been around some guys that played gunner and made a whole lot of money. It was a third, fourth maybe even farther than that receiver, and play special teams and made a whole lot of money,” defensive coach Mike Peterson said of Weston. “But he’s strong, he can run. He’s one of those guys we call it a team player. Probably early on, he wanted his role to be bigger, but he’s accepted his role. Those are the guys that usually play a long, long time.”
The change to safety was new, but cornerback Jason Marshall was able to take Weston under his wing.
“Just being with him, communicating with him, make sure he learns the plays and stuff like that,” Marshall said. “It’s a great addition to have him back there, better than going against him.”
Watch Ja’Markis Weston’s impressive lift
Florida’s strength and conditioning program is headed by Mark Hocke. Since January, Hocke and his staff have spent the most time with the players. Prior to spring practice, Hocke noted several players who had impressed him and the team in the weight room.
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“We had six guys clean 335 pounds. Austin Barber, Cam Carroll, Cam Jackson, Shemar James, Desmond Watson, and Miguel Mitchell,” Hocke said. “That’s pretty impressive to have that man. That’s elite. That’s elite.”
I hate naming names but there’s a lot of people who have worked really hard. If you do the bare minimum you got to work really hard, but if I had to come up with one guy that you know is a tremendous example to his teammates, that would be Shemar James. You know he was just a pup last year. He learned from two great leaders in Ventrell Miller and Amari Burney. And now I think he’s stepping into year two. He has a better understanding of the offseason program and season expectations and he’s got a chance to flash.”
![Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier celebrates with Florida Gators wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11) after a touchdown during the first half at the Orange and Blue spring football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://on3static.com/cdn-cgi/image/height=215,width=393,quality=90,fit=cover,gravity=0.5x0.5/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/04/13155133/Untitled-design-65-2.png)
