Napier said this linebacker is a problem for offenses
Billy Napier Names Florida Defender Who Will be ‘Matchup Problem’ in 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Florida Gators' linebacker room promises to be one of, if not their best, position groups on defense this season. Although Florida lost one of its premier defenders in Shemar James to the NFL Draft this offseason, head coach Billy Napier's group of young, talented linebackers should cause problems for opposing offenses. One of the main reasons for this is the emergence of Aaron Chiles.
The 6-foot-3, 244-pounder was a huge get for Napier coming out of high school, and Chiles has made major progress since stepping on campus.
During Florida's fall camp, Chiles has been a standout performer on the defensive side of the ball, forcing issues for the Gators' offense, according to 247Sports' Zach Goodall.
Chiles' exceptional play this fall during team scrimmages has caught the eye of Florida's head coach, who spoke about the linebacker on Monday.
"I'm very impressed with Aaron," Napier said. "I think Aaron Chiles is a guy who was not mid-year last year. We lose sight of that. So he showed up in June and was able to play as a rookie last year, and got some significant experience, and I think he learned from that experience."
The Largo, Maryland, native got a ton of experience as a freshman in 2024. He appeared in all of Florida's 13 games, playing at outside linebacker and on special teams. Chiles totaled 22 tackles, 10 of which were solo, and one sack.
Stepping into a bigger role this offseason, Chiles has played in all of the Gators' closed scrimmages thus far. He accumulated four would-be sacks in these practices and forced a fumble on Saturday, per Goodall.
"He's a matchup problem, and he's a really good special teams player, Napier continued. "But most importantly, is the energy and the attitude, the physicality. I think he's contagious in that regard. Overall, a good young player. He's going to help our team."
It is clear that Napier has high expectations for Chiles, who promises to be a big part of Florida's defensive attack in 2025.
Related: SEC Powerhouse Handed Massive Recruiting Win on Monday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
