Jake Slaughter talks final game with Florida Gators

Center Jake Slaughter has been the cornerstone of Florida's offensive line for the past two seasons, and the senior took some time after Florida's 40-21 win over FSU to reflect on his final season with the Gators.

Slaughter, and the rest of the offensive line, played an instrumental role in Jadan Baugh's historic 266-yard day. Fittingly, the senior leader wore a hat with "5=1" on it, a slogan the offensive line has lived by since the Billy Napier era started.

Following Baugh on the microphone, Slaughter bantered with the media before fielding questions.

"You got Jadan 1,000 yards and then some," a reporter said.

"And then some," Slaughter said with a laugh. "No, he did his part. I promise you."

On ending the season on a high note against a rival

"It meant everything to us. Our message all week was nothing else matters. As soon as we got here, it was 24 hours. We got back from Thanksgiving — 24 hours. This is everything that matters right now. Nothing else.

"I think everybody did a great job. Our defense played their hearts out. Jadan ran like somebody was trying to kill him all night. We played pretty well all around."

Reflecting on the season, how important was it to end on a win?

"No, absolutely. Big smile on the face. We got to get in my experience and feel things that get you there more entertaining."

On Coach Gonzalez's Impact

"It means the world to us. Every player in the building has nothing but love and deep respect for Coach G. I've had the privilege of knowing him a long time. I got to play with his boy in high school. We were super excited for him. I never got to dump Gatorade on a coach until tonight. Yeah, we got him good."

On realizing milestones during the Game

"We knew going into the game he was right around 100 yards off or so. He had a tremendous first half and a great second half, too. It was like he was getting jumped on the sideline. Everybody was so excited for him.

"Coach G let us know (Baugh recorded the second-most rushing yards in program history) after the game. I didn't know until then."

On the Gatorade bath celebration

"Austin Barber organized it. I'd like to point that out. Ol' 5-8, he sure is. We had a lot of fun. Anytime you're an offensive lineman and run the ball like we did, you take pride in games like this. It's a lot of fun. Great way to go out.

"Austin and I tag-teamed it."

On final memory at the Swamp

"It means the world to me. This is all I ever wanted, being a little kid growing up in North Central Florida. This is what I wanted forever."

On new coach's inheritance

"These guys don't have any quit in them. This entire group, no quit. I wish everybody could see the tape on a Tuesday afternoon team run, it's warfare in there. We're three and eight but who cares? We're going to go to war and get better. There's no quit in this group. Guys love each other and take care of each other."

On DJ Lagway's performance and efficiency

"He was super efficient, got the ball out on time. Everything's connected. We scored on the first drive — it was offensive line, quarterback, receivers. When you start going 11-for-11, you're firing on all cylinders. Good offensive football happens. DJ did a great job all night."

On physicality early in the game

"Absolutely. It was good to know you're running the ball. It's exactly what you want to feel."

On future of the offensive line

"I'm so excited for next year. Jason Zandamela is an absolute animal. I'm so excited for him to play. He's gotten better and better. Guys like Rod Kearney are going to step up. Caden Jones, Bryce Lovett are going to continue to improve. I thought in the back half of the year, they improved.

"There's so many young guys who made big strides, and I'm excited for them."

On filling Austin’s shoes at left tackle

"That's hard to say, so far down the road. Caden Jones looked good and took some reps at left in the last few weeks. It could be him."

On Austin Barber's impact

"I love that guy like a brother. We can bounce stuff off each other. We were arguing like old ladies in Thursday practice because we had a difference of opinion over a concept. That's something you only get with a guy you have that type of relationship we have. I'm thankful to have had him for the last five years."

On Coach Billy’s message

"It's important that the first thing he said was what we discussed in chapel this morning and that was having a foundation in Christ and having a strong foundation to build off. It’s important for all ballplayers and young men in general

"That's the type of guy Coach G is. He talked about our plans going forward, a detailed calendar for everybody. He was just so proud. He let us know a little stat-by-stat — about Jadan Baugh's rushing record. It was a special moment for me."

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football center Jake Slaughter post-game quotes vs. FSU