DJ Coleman leads Florida's defense in loss to Georgia
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DJ Coleman leads Florida's defense in loss to Georgia
Michael Trim Jr, Gators Wire·Gators Wire
·
1 min read
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In a 27-8 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs, few bright spots emerged; however, safety DJ Coleman stood out forFlorida's defense in Week 9.
Coleman stayed active all game, finishing with eight total tackles, including six solo stops. His performance earned himGatorsWire's defensive player of the gamehonors for Week 9.
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Coleman's performance came as Florida's defense continued to improve despite the final score. The Gators struggled to generate offense against Georgia, forcing the defense to shoulder much of the workload throughout the rivalry matchup.
The Florida linebacker answered the call, consistently finding himself around the football and limiting additional yardage when given opportunities to make plays.
His performance also showed up in his Pro Football Focus grades.
According to PFF, Coleman earned an 83.4 defensive grade, the highest mark among Florida's defenders against Georgia. His work in coverage was even more impressive, earning an 89.8 coverage grade that also ranked first on the team.
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Coleman's impact in coverage offered another encouraging sign for a Florida defense that has taken noticeable steps forward over the past few weeks.
The performance continues a strong season for the Gators safety, who has established himself as one of the more dependable pieces of Florida's defense.
Although the Gators couldn't come away with a win against their biggest rival, Coleman's performance was another positive showing from a defensive unit that has started to find its footing in the heart of SEC play.
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall speaks with Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart prior to the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nate Frazier (3) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Florida Gators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) carries the ball as Florida Gators safety DJ Coleman (33) defends during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators safety DJ Coleman (33) defends as Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) carries the ball during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators tight end Lacota Dippre (17) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Justin Williams (83) carries the ball as Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Chris Cole (9), defensive back KJ Bolden (4) and defensive back Ellis Robinson IV (1) makes the tackle during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) throws a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Bailey Stockton (3) catches a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Bailey Stockton (3) runs the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators safety DJ Coleman (33) breaks up the pass intended for Florida Gators wide receiver Jaden Edgecombe (23) during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/11
Florida's Jon Sumrall speaks on Georiga loss, looks ahead to Oklahoma
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall speaks with Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart prior to the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/11
Florida's Jon Sumrall speaks on Georiga loss, looks ahead to Oklahoma
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall speaks with Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart prior to the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/11
Final score, recap and analysis from Florida's rough loss to Georgia
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nate Frazier (3) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Florida Gators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/11
Florida slips but remains in The Athletic re-rank top 25 after Week 9
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) carries the ball as Florida Gators safety DJ Coleman (33) defends during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/11
PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida's 2026 rivalry game vs Georgia
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators safety DJ Coleman (33) defends as Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) carries the ball during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/11
PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida's 2026 rivalry game vs Georgia
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/11
PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida's 2026 rivalry game vs Georgia
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators tight end Lacota Dippre (17) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/11
Florida falls out of US LBM Coaches Poll top 25 after rivalry game rout
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Justin Williams (83) carries the ball as Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Chris Cole (9), defensive back KJ Bolden (4) and defensive back Ellis Robinson IV (1) makes the tackle during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/11
Florida's Tramell Jones Jr. to start at QB against Oklahoma in Week 10
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) throws a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/11
DJ Coleman, Bailey Stockton react to Florida's loss to Georgia
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Bailey Stockton (3) catches a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/11
Bailey Stockton earns offensive player of the game in rivalry loss
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Bailey Stockton (3) runs the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/11
PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida's 2026 rivalry game vs Georgia
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators safety DJ Coleman (33) breaks up the pass intended for Florida Gators wide receiver Jaden Edgecombe (23) during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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