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UF transfer DTs Daquan Newkirk, Antonio Valentino shore up soft middle of Gators’ defense

GAINESVILLE — During his playing days at The First Academy in Orlando, Daquan Newkirk was a burly running back with more than a few moves.

Even at 308 pounds, the 6-foot-3 Newkirk’s inner running back reveals himself from time to time in the trenches.

“Red got dancing feet, man – we call him Red – Red got dancing feet, to be honest with you,” Valentino said. “I guess he played running back back in the day and then he got fat, and now he’s playing D-tackle. But Red got dancing feet, man.

Samford running back Jay Stanton (20) is tackled by Auburn defensive tackle DaQuan Newkirk (44) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Samford running back Jay Stanton (20) is tackled by Auburn defensive tackle DaQuan Newkirk (44) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov.