Former Florida Players Praise Sumrall's 'Energetic' Practices

New Gators coach's intense, no-nonsense approach impressing ex-players

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:05pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Florida Gators football practice, with the players and field broken down into sharp, angular geometric shapes in shades of orange, blue, and green, conveying a sense of high-energy competition and intensity on the practice field.Former Florida players see a new intensity and energy from the Gators' football practices under first-year coach Jon Sumrall.Gainesville Today

Former Florida football players who returned to the Heavener Football Complex for UF Pro Day on March 26 were impressed by the 'energetic' and 'no-nonsense' approach of first-year head coach Jon Sumrall during spring practices. Players like Caleb Banks, Devin Moore, and George Gumbs Jr. praised Sumrall's intensity and the way it has rubbed off on the team, as the new coach looks to turn around a Florida program that has struggled in recent years.

Why it matters

Sumrall is tasked with reviving a Florida football program that has had four losing seasons in its last five years. The positive feedback from former players about his coaching style and the energy he's bringing to practices suggests he may be the right person to get the Gators back on track.

The details

Former Florida players who attended Pro Day said Sumrall's practices featured a high level of intensity and energy, with the team 'playing like the hair was on fire.' They praised Sumrall's willingness to get on players and demand more from them, saying his no-nonsense approach is exactly what the team needs. Players like Caleb Banks, Devin Moore, and George Gumbs Jr. were excited about the competitiveness they saw on the practice field and believe it will translate to success on game days.

  • Florida football players returned to the Heavener Football Complex for UF Pro Day on March 26.
  • First-year head coach Jon Sumrall is leading his first spring practices with the Gators.

The players

Jon Sumrall

First-year head coach of the Florida Gators football team, tasked with turning around a program that has struggled in recent years.

Caleb Banks

Former Florida defensive lineman who praised Sumrall's energetic and no-nonsense approach to practices.

Devin Moore

Former Florida cornerback who said Sumrall's intensity is rubbing off on players on the practice field.

George Gumbs Jr.

Former Florida football edge rusher who described Sumrall as a 'more rowdy coach' with a greater presence on the practice field.

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What they’re saying

“They just were playing like the hair was on fire. They've got a lot of energy. Offense is doing well, Defense is doing well, Coach (Sumrall) just doing what you need to do to make sure the boys are getting after it. And I'm happy for them. I know they will have a successful year this year. I can't wait to see it.”

— Caleb Banks, Former Florida defensive lineman

“I love the energy Coach Sumrall is bringing. He's not scared to tell you how it is. You need a guy like that, that's gonna, 'This is how it is. It wasn't good enough. Do it again. And I don't care what you think.' I love that type of energy. I love how the guys out there were competing. I thought it was a great practice.”

— Devin Moore, Former Florida cornerback

“He's definitely a more rowdy coach, you know. You can see his influence all around the practice field a bit more. He's out there more, getting on players a little bit more, but it's definitely fun to watch him.”

— George Gumbs Jr., Former Florida football edge rusher

What’s next

The Gators will continue their spring practices as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 season under new head coach Jon Sumrall.

The takeaway

Sumrall's intense, no-nonsense coaching style has already made a positive impression on former Florida players, who believe his energy and willingness to push the team will help the Gators return to success after several down years. If Sumrall can maintain this level of intensity and competitiveness throughout the offseason and into the regular season, it could signal a turnaround for the Florida football program.