Florida Football 2023 Season Preview: TE Dante Zanders

Across the last couple of seasons in Gainesville, Dante Zanders has seen time for Florida football on both sides of the ball as both a tight end and defensive lineman. After working solely at tight end for the Gators a year ago however, could the graduate senior play a similar role in 2023?

Florida Football 2023 Season Preview: TE Dante Zanders

Zanders originally came to Florida as a member of the Gators 2018 recruiting class, where he was rated as a three-star tight end out of in-state Boca Raton High School in Florida.

Once in Gainesville, Zanders would go on to appear in only two games as a true freshman at tight end, but would be left off the stat sheet entirely. The same would come true in 2019 as a redshirt freshman, with Zanders however appearing in all 13 of the Gators games that season as a reserve.

In 2020, Zanders would make the move to the defensive side of the ball, where would work as an edge rusher for the Gators, racking up five tackles. Zanders would also remain on defense in 2021, making six tackles with 0.5 TFL and 0.5 sacks across 12 games.

As for last season, Zanders would make the move back to the offensive side of the ball, where he would appear in all 13 games at tight end, seven of which he started. Zanders would also post his first offensive stats a year ago at Florida, catching 10 passes for 75 yards.

Now entering his sixth season in Gainesville, Zanders is likely to make an impact once again for the Gators at tight end this fall. The only question left to answer is, in what potential role could that come?

Florida TE Dante Zanders 2023 Season Prediction: 20 receptions, 250 yards, 2 TD

Remaining at tight end this season, Zanders could be a major impact player at the position for the Gators in 2023, and is likely to be a starter for the second consecutive year.

One of the top returning pass catchers for the Gators, Zanders could be a key receiving target for new Florida quarterback Graham Mertz, while also factoring into the blocking game as well. The redshirt senior also brings experience to the tight end position for Florida, and should be set for multiple statistical career-high’s across the board.

Overall, expect a solid season for Zanders as one of the top tight ends for Florida football.