Bostic making the jump

<p>Florida linebacker Jon Bostic enrolled in January to get an early jump on defensive schemes.</p><p>What he didn't envision was that he'd have to make a name for himself on special teams before he could fathom directing a defense like Florida's.</p><p>"In high school, we didn’t really focus on special teams that much," Bostic said. "We had a good kicker who used to kick it out of the end zone every play. When I got here, I was actually a little surprised how much they focused on special teams."</p><p>As Bostic prepares to finish his first season in a Gators jersey, he'll do so with more reps on special teams than at any linebacker position. Bostic is one of those rare players that lines up on multiple special teams units. He's on punt coverage, kickoff and kick return.</p><p>What might not have been a flattering job in high school garners the utmost respect in Gainesville, and to be featured in three different phases of coach Urban Meyer's most prized corps is an honor, especially for a freshman.</p><p>"To be on three, you’re the real deal," Meyer said.</p><p>By all accounts, Bostic is the real deal around the program. He has 17 total tackles through nine games with limited time on defense, but with his commitment to special teams and his fast-paced learning ability, Bostic is making the name he wanted in January.</p><p>He might not be making the plays that fans see in games each week, but his coaches say he's proving that his future is bright.</p><p>Making Bostic's growth even more impressive is the fact that he spent most of his high school career at safety and running back. He didn't make the move to linebacker until his senior year, and even then he says he wasn't very comfortable there.</p><p>When recruiting Bostic, Meyer said he didn't look at his raw skills as a negative. He saw the things around him that made him the person he was. An NFL father and a "great mother" guided him and created a family bond similar to the one that oozes out of Meyer's program.</p><p>But there was no mistaking the potential and talent that Bostic showed on the field. Meyer saw something special when Bostic played, no matter where he lined up.</p><p>"Then, you saw kind of a freak," he said. "He’s got freakish ability as far as speed and athleticism. There's a chance he'll be a (weakside) linebacker. We're not sure he's a (middle) so he gives you a lot of flexibility because he gives you that speed."</p><p>Add guidance from the likes of seniors Brandon Spikes and Ryan Stamper and Bostic has had quite the productive first year.</p><p>"That’s the way it should be," Meyer said. "Spikes didn’t have that opportunity. He got tutored for one year. I know (Bostic) is only one year too. You wish you had them for one or two years and then they step into the position, but you always try to get them to grow up so fast."</p><p>Bostic admits that when he arrived, he tried to grow up too fast. He was used to going with the flow and playing rogue in high school. Now, there are reads to be made and game plans to follow. With some instruction, Bostic is finally learning what it takes to be a college linebacker.</p><p>"Some people it hits them when they get up here, and it hit me a little bit because when I first got here I was just trying to run all over the field, but you have to start reading the guards, the tackles," he said. "They're sitting back on their heels and Spikes has been teaching me a lot of that stuff."</p>