It appears that Princely Umanmielen will be rocking the No. 1 jersey for the defense (last worn by Brenton Cox Jr.)
Except for Brenton Cox.Most recent Gators to wear the famed No. 1 jersey on defense:
Brenton Cox Jr. (2020-2022)
CJ Henderson (2019)
Vernon Hargreaves III (2013-2015)
Jon Bostic (2012)
Janoris Jenkins (2009-2010)
Reggie Nelson (2006)
Keiwan Ratliff (2000-2003)
A lot of legends on this list.
It seems to be more important to the fans than the staff as far as it being a symbol or something like that. Only VH3 ever wore it for McElwain, and it wasn't until year 2 for Mullen (who placed the most importance for it) until a player wore it.I'm not a fan of handing it out every year just to hand it out.
It should either go to special players or let it go unused.
Mullen felt that way because it became a standard to wear #1 when he was here with Meyer.It seems to be more important to the fans than the staff as far as it being a symbol or something like that. Only VH3 ever wore it for McElwain, and it wasn't until year 2 for Mullen (who placed the most importance for it) until a player wore it.
It seems that under Napier, the staff doesn't place as much as importance for it, but they will still reward hardworking and "worthy" players with a number preference/change if the number is available (I wouldn't be surprised if multiple players on defense asked for No. 1 and the staff chose Umanmielen out of all of them).