Details on Trikweze Bridges’ impact on the 2024 season

Oregon defensive back transfer Trikweze Bridges was one of Florida’s most valuable players in 2024.

The Gators’ defense struggled early in the year, giving up more than 28 points in each of their first three power conference games. After Florida’s first bye week, things started to change. In Week 8 against Kentucky, Bridges emerged as the starting safety for a defense that appeared to be improving.

Bridges started the final seven games of the season and served as a Swiss army knife in Florida’s defense, playing both safety and cornerback throughout the stretch. Bridges was the glue that held Florida’s defense together despite a long list of injuries in the secondary.

With Jason Marshall, Devin Moore and Ja’Keem Jackson sidelined and other players hitting, Bridges moved from safety to cornerback before Florida’s game against LSU in Week 12. Bridges played primarily cornerback at Oregon, so that experience helped him make the move midseason.

In the final four games of the season in which Bridges started at cornerback, the Gators’ defense allowed an average of 13 points and did not allow more than 17 in any of the four games.

This season, Bridges allowed just 14 catches for 154 yards on 34 scores. He did not allow a single touchdown in coverage while logging two interceptions and five pass breakups. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound defensive back posted an NFL passer rating of 30.8, the lowest on the Gators’ defense. According to Pro Football Focus, Bridge’s Defensive Grade of 72.3 ranks 4th in Florida. His coverage rating of 72.0 ranked 2nd among Gator defenders, behind only Jason Marshall.

“Don’t underestimate Trikweze Bridges’ positional flexibility,” Billy Napier said of Bridges. “What an incredible end to his career. The scouts have really appreciated him here over the last few weeks.”

Despite playing fewer than 20 snaps against Miami, Texas A&M and UCF to start the season, Bridges finished second on the team with 649 snaps and led the Gators with 69 tackles.

Bridges was by far the most versatile player on Florida’s defense, playing 138 snaps at safety, 353 at corner, 122 in the box and 40 at nickel/star. Not only is it difficult to match Bridges’ performance in coverage this season, it says a lot about him as a player when he does so, especially at a position he hasn’t practiced in over a year .

“Just like I hear from my coaches like Coach Harris and stuff like that. He said just being flexible and being able to play more than one position was a really great tool as only 53 players could be added to the squad. So you want to be able to play more than one position, be flexible and move as an athlete. I think it’s a good tool and a good skill,” Bridges said of his flexibility.

Bridges’ play on the track caught the attention of the recruits in attendance.

“Number seven played really well, Bridges played really well. That’s what really stood out to me,” said Jaelen Waters, who is committed to DB 2026.

Bridges will play at the Hula Bowl in Orlando, Florida on January 11th.