Florida Gators: Brian Poole
FLORIDA GATORS
2012 overall record: 11-2
2012 overall record: 11-2
2012 conference record: 7-1 (2nd Eastern Division)
Returning starters: Offense: 6; defense: 4; kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB Jeff Driskel, C Jonotthan Harrison, RG Jon Halapio, RB/WR Trey Burton, DE/DT Dominique Easley, CB Loucheiz Purifoy, CB Marcus Roberson, S Jaylen Watkins, P Kyle Christy
Key losses
RB Mike Gillislee, TE Jordan Reed, DT Sharrif Floyd, S Matt Elam, S Josh Evans, LB Jon Bostic, LB Jelani Jenkins
2012 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Mike Gillislee (1,152 yards)
Passing: Jeff Driskel* (1,646 yards)
Receiving: Jordan Reed (559 yards)
Tackles: Josh Evans (83)
Sacks: Dominique Easley* (4.0)
Interceptions: Matt Elam (4)
Spring answers
1. Back in business: Sophomore Matt Jones running back had a fantastic spring and the coaching staff is convinced he’ll be a more than capable replacement for Gillislee. The 6-foot-2, 228-pound Jones is a perfect fit for Will Muschamp’s power-run offense. He’s a straight-ahead, downhill runner, who runs through contact and gets tough yards. The offense will be built around him, especially with the questions surrounding the passing game. Redshirt junior Mack Brown and freshman Kelvin Taylor, the son of former UF standout running back Fred Taylor, give the Gators solid depth at the position.
2. Lined up: UF’s offensive line made strides in 2012 and it will be even better in 2013. The addition of transfers -- Max Garcia (Maryland) and Tyler Moore (Nebraska) -- gives the Gators a pair of former starters to add to an already solid base with Harrison and Halapio. Plus, sophomore D.J. Humphries is an immediate upgrade from Xavier Nixon at left tackle. Garcia will start at left guard and pair with Humphries to give Driskel better blind-side protection than he had a year ago.
3. The middle is settled: With the loss of Bostic and Jenkins, the Gators needed a middle linebacker. The staff moved sophomore Antonio Morrison from weakside linebacker, and Morrison showed pretty quickly he was up to the task. He’s not the biggest middle linebacker the Gators have had (6-foot-1, 230 pounds), but he is certainly one of the most physical. Morrison hits like he weighs 260 pounds -- just ask 245-pound former FSU quarterback EJ Manuel, whom Morrison leveled last season. Morrison proved he could handle making the defensive calls and he should easily step into the role Bostic held for the past two seasons.
Fall questions
1. Receiver issues ... again: The Gators have problems at wide receiver and must get better at the position or the offense will again struggle. That’s been the case since the 2009 season ended. The latest attempted solution is former Kentucky head coach Joker Phillips. He has coached receivers for 18 seasons at Kentucky (1991-96 and 2003-2009), Cincinnati (1997), Minnesota (1999-2000), Notre Dame (2001) and South Carolina (2002). NFL players Steve Johnson (Buffalo) and Randall Cobb (Green Bay) are among the receivers Phillips worked with during his tenure at Kentucky. He also coached Craig Yeast, Keenan Burton, Dicky Lyons Jr. and Derek Abney, all of whom rank in the top five in school history in career receptions or career receiving yardage. Can Phillips get consistent production out of Quinton Dunbar, Andre Debose, Raphael Andrades, Latroy Pittman, Burton or Solomon Patton? Can he turn one of the five freshmen -- notably Demarcus Robinson or Ahmad Fulwood -- into the big-time playmaker the Gators have lacked since Riley Cooper? Zach Azzani, Aubrey Hill and Bush Hamdan have tried and failed.
2. Safety dance: There’s some concern about the Gators’ safeties because some of the younger and less experienced players haven’t developed as the staff had hoped. Cody Riggs and Watkins, who started at corner early last season, will begin August practices as UF’s two starting safeties. They have both played there during their UF careers and there are no concerns about those two players, but there are some about Valdez Showers, Marcus Maye and Jabari Gorman. Realistically, the Gators are better off with Riggs and Watkins starting because that gives UF the chance to get its top four defensive backs on the field at the same time instead of working Watkins, Riggs, Roberson, Purifoy and Brian Poole in a rotation at cornerback. Still, those other three need to earn more trust from the coaching staff.
3. Just for kicks: Kickers Austin Hardin and Brad Phillips struggled throughout the spring. Neither is as reliable or as good from long range as Caleb Sturgis was, but it’s the first part that’s more important. The offense, especially if the receivers don’t get any better, will continue to have a hard time consistently moving the ball. Sturgis was able to bail the Gators out because they needed only to get to the 35-yard line to be in range for a makeable field goal. That mark may have to be the 20 in 2013. Unless Hardin or Phillips makes a major leap this summer, expect the Gators to go with the kicker who practices the best each week.
2012 overall record: 11-2
2012 overall record: 11-2
2012 conference record: 7-1 (2nd Eastern Division)
Returning starters: Offense: 6; defense: 4; kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB Jeff Driskel, C Jonotthan Harrison, RG Jon Halapio, RB/WR Trey Burton, DE/DT Dominique Easley, CB Loucheiz Purifoy, CB Marcus Roberson, S Jaylen Watkins, P Kyle Christy
Key losses
RB Mike Gillislee, TE Jordan Reed, DT Sharrif Floyd, S Matt Elam, S Josh Evans, LB Jon Bostic, LB Jelani Jenkins
2012 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Mike Gillislee (1,152 yards)
Passing: Jeff Driskel* (1,646 yards)
Receiving: Jordan Reed (559 yards)
Tackles: Josh Evans (83)
Sacks: Dominique Easley* (4.0)
Interceptions: Matt Elam (4)
Spring answers
1. Back in business: Sophomore Matt Jones running back had a fantastic spring and the coaching staff is convinced he’ll be a more than capable replacement for Gillislee. The 6-foot-2, 228-pound Jones is a perfect fit for Will Muschamp’s power-run offense. He’s a straight-ahead, downhill runner, who runs through contact and gets tough yards. The offense will be built around him, especially with the questions surrounding the passing game. Redshirt junior Mack Brown and freshman Kelvin Taylor, the son of former UF standout running back Fred Taylor, give the Gators solid depth at the position.
2. Lined up: UF’s offensive line made strides in 2012 and it will be even better in 2013. The addition of transfers -- Max Garcia (Maryland) and Tyler Moore (Nebraska) -- gives the Gators a pair of former starters to add to an already solid base with Harrison and Halapio. Plus, sophomore D.J. Humphries is an immediate upgrade from Xavier Nixon at left tackle. Garcia will start at left guard and pair with Humphries to give Driskel better blind-side protection than he had a year ago.
3. The middle is settled: With the loss of Bostic and Jenkins, the Gators needed a middle linebacker. The staff moved sophomore Antonio Morrison from weakside linebacker, and Morrison showed pretty quickly he was up to the task. He’s not the biggest middle linebacker the Gators have had (6-foot-1, 230 pounds), but he is certainly one of the most physical. Morrison hits like he weighs 260 pounds -- just ask 245-pound former FSU quarterback EJ Manuel, whom Morrison leveled last season. Morrison proved he could handle making the defensive calls and he should easily step into the role Bostic held for the past two seasons.
Fall questions
1. Receiver issues ... again: The Gators have problems at wide receiver and must get better at the position or the offense will again struggle. That’s been the case since the 2009 season ended. The latest attempted solution is former Kentucky head coach Joker Phillips. He has coached receivers for 18 seasons at Kentucky (1991-96 and 2003-2009), Cincinnati (1997), Minnesota (1999-2000), Notre Dame (2001) and South Carolina (2002). NFL players Steve Johnson (Buffalo) and Randall Cobb (Green Bay) are among the receivers Phillips worked with during his tenure at Kentucky. He also coached Craig Yeast, Keenan Burton, Dicky Lyons Jr. and Derek Abney, all of whom rank in the top five in school history in career receptions or career receiving yardage. Can Phillips get consistent production out of Quinton Dunbar, Andre Debose, Raphael Andrades, Latroy Pittman, Burton or Solomon Patton? Can he turn one of the five freshmen -- notably Demarcus Robinson or Ahmad Fulwood -- into the big-time playmaker the Gators have lacked since Riley Cooper? Zach Azzani, Aubrey Hill and Bush Hamdan have tried and failed.
2. Safety dance: There’s some concern about the Gators’ safeties because some of the younger and less experienced players haven’t developed as the staff had hoped. Cody Riggs and Watkins, who started at corner early last season, will begin August practices as UF’s two starting safeties. They have both played there during their UF careers and there are no concerns about those two players, but there are some about Valdez Showers, Marcus Maye and Jabari Gorman. Realistically, the Gators are better off with Riggs and Watkins starting because that gives UF the chance to get its top four defensive backs on the field at the same time instead of working Watkins, Riggs, Roberson, Purifoy and Brian Poole in a rotation at cornerback. Still, those other three need to earn more trust from the coaching staff.
3. Just for kicks: Kickers Austin Hardin and Brad Phillips struggled throughout the spring. Neither is as reliable or as good from long range as Caleb Sturgis was, but it’s the first part that’s more important. The offense, especially if the receivers don’t get any better, will continue to have a hard time consistently moving the ball. Sturgis was able to bail the Gators out because they needed only to get to the 35-yard line to be in range for a makeable field goal. That mark may have to be the 20 in 2013. Unless Hardin or Phillips makes a major leap this summer, expect the Gators to go with the kicker who practices the best each week.
Post-spring depth chart has few surprises
April, 24, 2013
Apr 24
7:21
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida released a post-spring depth chart on Wednesday. There were no big surprises, although seeing running back Mack Brown behind Matt Jones and ahead of Kelvin Taylor did earn a raised eyebrow.
Here’s the breakdown:
Offense
LT: D.J. Humphries (6-5, 285, So.)/Trenton Brown (6-8, 363, Jr.)
LG: Max Garcia (6-4, 307, RJr.)/Ian Silberman (6-5, 290, RJr.)
C: Jonotthan Harrison (6-3, 303, RSr.) /Kyle Koehne (6-5, 314, RSr.)
RG: Jon Halapio (6-3, 317, RSr.)/Trip Thurman (6-5, 313, RSo.)
RT: Tyler Moore (6-5, 315, RSo.) OR Chaz Green (6-5, 305, RJr.)
TE: Clay Burton (6-4, 247, Jr.)/Tevin Westbrook (6-5, 258, Jr.) OR Colin Thompson (6-4, 250, RFr.) OR Kent Taylor (6-5, 223, So.)
RB: Matt Jones (6-2, 228, So.)/Mack Brown (5-11, 215, RJr.)
Here’s the breakdown:
Offense
LT: D.J. Humphries (6-5, 285, So.)/Trenton Brown (6-8, 363, Jr.)
LG: Max Garcia (6-4, 307, RJr.)/Ian Silberman (6-5, 290, RJr.)
C: Jonotthan Harrison (6-3, 303, RSr.) /Kyle Koehne (6-5, 314, RSr.)
RG: Jon Halapio (6-3, 317, RSr.)/Trip Thurman (6-5, 313, RSo.)
RT: Tyler Moore (6-5, 315, RSo.) OR Chaz Green (6-5, 305, RJr.)
TE: Clay Burton (6-4, 247, Jr.)/Tevin Westbrook (6-5, 258, Jr.) OR Colin Thompson (6-4, 250, RFr.) OR Kent Taylor (6-5, 223, So.)
RB: Matt Jones (6-2, 228, So.)/Mack Brown (5-11, 215, RJr.)
As part of our spring practice preview, each day this week GatorNation will address the five biggest questions facing the Gators. Today we’ll look at the uncertain situation at safety. On Thursday, we’ll examine whether the offense can make a jump in the second year under Brent Pease similar to what the defense did last season in its second year under Dan Quinn.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- One of the better competitions during Florida’s spring practices will be to find a pair of safeties.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- One of the better competitions during Florida’s spring practices will be to find a pair of safeties.
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Editor’s note: Every Tuesday and Thursday through Jan. 31, 2013, GatorNation will break down each position. We’ll look at 2013, of course, but also try and give you a peek beyond next season, too. Today is safety. We will profile offensive tackle on Jan. 8.
SAFETY
Two-deep: Junior Matt Elam and senior Josh Evans have started every game this season and played their best football. Elam had a team-high four interceptions to go along with five pass breakups and 65 tackles and was named a first-team All-American. He made perhaps the season’s most important play when he stripped LSU WR Odell Beckham after a long gain. Evans is the team’s leading tackler (79) and was the Gators’ most improved player. Behind those two are junior Jaylen Watkins, who is a starting cornerback, and sophomore Jabari Gorman.
SAFETY
Two-deep: Junior Matt Elam and senior Josh Evans have started every game this season and played their best football. Elam had a team-high four interceptions to go along with five pass breakups and 65 tackles and was named a first-team All-American. He made perhaps the season’s most important play when he stripped LSU WR Odell Beckham after a long gain. Evans is the team’s leading tackler (79) and was the Gators’ most improved player. Behind those two are junior Jaylen Watkins, who is a starting cornerback, and sophomore Jabari Gorman.
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Editor’s note: Every Tuesday and Thursday through Jan. 31, 2013, GatorNation will break down each position. We’ll look at 2013, of course, but also try and give you a peek beyond next season, too. Today is cornerback. We will profile safeties on Jan. 3.
CORNERBACK
Two-deep: The Gators have a three-man rotation of sophomore Marcus Roberson, junior Jaylen Watkins and sophomore Loucheiz Purifoy. Freshman Brian Poole has gotten more playing time as the season has progressed. That likely wouldn’t have happened, however, had junior Cody Riggs not missed the final 10 games of the season with a broken bone in his foot. Roberson leads the team with 12 pass breakups and had two interceptions. Watkins has three interceptions and eight pass breakups, while Purifoy has five pass breakups and three forced fumbles.
CORNERBACK
Two-deep: The Gators have a three-man rotation of sophomore Marcus Roberson, junior Jaylen Watkins and sophomore Loucheiz Purifoy. Freshman Brian Poole has gotten more playing time as the season has progressed. That likely wouldn’t have happened, however, had junior Cody Riggs not missed the final 10 games of the season with a broken bone in his foot. Roberson leads the team with 12 pass breakups and had two interceptions. Watkins has three interceptions and eight pass breakups, while Purifoy has five pass breakups and three forced fumbles.
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Tagging the Gators: CB Jaylen Watkins
December, 16, 2012
12/16/12
9:00
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
Kim Klement/US PresswireCB Jaylen Watkins
Junior
35 tackles, 3 INTs, 8 pass breakups
Role in 2012: Watkins was in a competition with Loucheiz Purifoy, Marcus Roberson and Cody Riggs to win a starting cornerback job. Watkins ended up starting 10 games and was second on the team in pass breakups.
The good: Watkins is one of the Gators’ most improved players. He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, which he said was because he had a better understanding of the defense in his second season. The best example is his interception against Kentucky when he jumped the route. He admitted he wouldn’t have made the play last year. Watkins doesn’t have the size of UF’s other corners (6-foot, 187 pounds), but he’s able to hold his own against bigger receivers.
The bad: Sometimes his size is a disadvantage, especially when it comes to jump balls. He compensates by relying on technique, but sometimes he can get overpowered by bigger receivers despite being in the proper position. He’s also not as physical in run support as Purifoy, although he is a better tackler than Roberson.
Crystal ball: Watkins will again have to battle Roberson and Purifoy for a starting spot in 2013, but even if he loses out to those two he’ll be on the field as a nickel back. Watkins also has spent some time at safety, and he could find a home there if youngsters Jabari Gorman, Brian Poole and Valdez Showers aren’t up to replacing Josh Evans and Matt Elam (provided he leaves early for the NFL as expected).
Freshman Bailey's transfer has little impact
December, 15, 2012
12/15/12
1:57
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida freshman cornerback Willie Bailey is transferring.
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Bailey enrolled in January and redshirted in 2012. The former Hallandale, Fla./Hallandale High School standout was a three-star recruit and ESPN's No. 24 cornerback. He chose Florida over Miami, North Carolina and South Florida.
The loss doesn't impact Florida's secondary much at all. Florida's top four corners (Marcus Roberson, Loucheiz Purifoy, Cody Riggs and Jaylen Watkins) return in 2013. Freshmen Rhaheim Ledbetter, Marcus Maye and Brian Poole were ahead of Bailey on the depth chart. The Gators also have commitments from Vernon Hargreaves III (Tampa, Fla./Wharton), the nation's No. 1 cornerback, as well as three other defensive backs: Keanu Neal (Bushnell, Fla./South Sumter), Marcell Harris (Orlando, Fla./Dr. Phillips) and Nick Washington (Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian).
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Bailey enrolled in January and redshirted in 2012. The former Hallandale, Fla./Hallandale High School standout was a three-star recruit and ESPN's No. 24 cornerback. He chose Florida over Miami, North Carolina and South Florida.
The loss doesn't impact Florida's secondary much at all. Florida's top four corners (Marcus Roberson, Loucheiz Purifoy, Cody Riggs and Jaylen Watkins) return in 2013. Freshmen Rhaheim Ledbetter, Marcus Maye and Brian Poole were ahead of Bailey on the depth chart. The Gators also have commitments from Vernon Hargreaves III (Tampa, Fla./Wharton), the nation's No. 1 cornerback, as well as three other defensive backs: Keanu Neal (Bushnell, Fla./South Sumter), Marcell Harris (Orlando, Fla./Dr. Phillips) and Nick Washington (Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian).
Young Gators stand to play this week 
November, 15, 2012
11/15/12
11:47
AM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida should have an easy time with foe Jacksonville State on Saturday.
The Gamecocks have one of the worst defenses in the Football Championship Subdivision, ranking 89th or worse in the four major statistical categories, and have lost to Eastern Illinois and Tennessee-Martin.
That should mean that the Gators can get a big lead, rest some starters, and play a lot of reserves and young players to get them valuable experience for the 2013 season. Here’s a look at five young guys who have played this season:
The Gamecocks have one of the worst defenses in the Football Championship Subdivision, ranking 89th or worse in the four major statistical categories, and have lost to Eastern Illinois and Tennessee-Martin.
That should mean that the Gators can get a big lead, rest some starters, and play a lot of reserves and young players to get them valuable experience for the 2013 season. Here’s a look at five young guys who have played this season:
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Five storylines: Gators vs. Jacksonville St.
November, 15, 2012
11/15/12
8:00
AM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- No. 6 Florida plays host to FCS opponent Jacksonville State on Saturday. It’s the final home game of the season and the last chance for a tuneup before playing Florida State in Tallahassee, Fla., on Nov. 24.
Here's five storylines for the game:
1. It’s the Jacoby Brissett show: Starting QB Jeff Driskel is out with a sprained right ankle, so Brissett will make his second start of the season (he also started the opener). He’s not the runner that Driskel is, so expect the offense to change a bit. More wildcat with Trey Burton, for instance, to run the read-option plays that Driskel has had so much success with. Brissett has thrown just 13 passes this season, but he started two games in 2011 in place of the injured John Brantley. He has likes to throw the ball deep more than Driskel, so expect a few of those early.
Here's five storylines for the game:
1. It’s the Jacoby Brissett show: Starting QB Jeff Driskel is out with a sprained right ankle, so Brissett will make his second start of the season (he also started the opener). He’s not the runner that Driskel is, so expect the offense to change a bit. More wildcat with Trey Burton, for instance, to run the read-option plays that Driskel has had so much success with. Brissett has thrown just 13 passes this season, but he started two games in 2011 in place of the injured John Brantley. He has likes to throw the ball deep more than Driskel, so expect a few of those early.
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Sunday Night QB: Gillislee's Heisman case
October, 7, 2012
10/07/12
1:47
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Geno Smith. Collin Klein. De’Anthony Thomas. Braxton Miller.
Mike Gillislee?
Absolutely, say Gillislee’s Florida teammates. The senior running back deserves to be on the list of Heisman Trophy candidates after what he did against one of the nation’s top defenses Saturday afternoon at Florida Field.
Mike Gillislee?
Absolutely, say Gillislee’s Florida teammates. The senior running back deserves to be on the list of Heisman Trophy candidates after what he did against one of the nation’s top defenses Saturday afternoon at Florida Field.
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Sunday Night QB: 3rd downs improving
September, 23, 2012
9/23/12
3:00
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By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida coach Will Muschamp was obviously pleased that his offense had so much success on third down against Kentucky, because that was something the Gators hadn’t had much of through the first three games.
But so was DT Omar Hunter.
UF’s 12-of-17 performance on third downs was just as helpful to the defense. It gave the Gators time to rest, which meant they had more energy on the field -- and that contributed to UF’s first shutout of a Southeastern Conference opponent since a 52-0 rout of Mississippi State in 2001.
But so was DT Omar Hunter.
UF’s 12-of-17 performance on third downs was just as helpful to the defense. It gave the Gators time to rest, which meant they had more energy on the field -- and that contributed to UF’s first shutout of a Southeastern Conference opponent since a 52-0 rout of Mississippi State in 2001.
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Sunday Night QB: UF mentally tougher
September, 16, 2012
9/16/12
3:59
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Halftime deficits don’t mean a thing to the Florida football team.
The Gators are evaluating and regrouping during the 20-minute break. They are minimizing mistakes and making plays.
Then they are finishing games in the fourth quarter.
The Gators are evaluating and regrouping during the 20-minute break. They are minimizing mistakes and making plays.
Then they are finishing games in the fourth quarter.
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UF loses 2 DLs; Story impact; QB update
August, 10, 2012
8/10/12
1:17
PM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida has lost a pair of reserve defensive linemen to knee injuries this week, and at least one is definitely out for the season.
UF coach Will Muschamp said Friday that senior defensive tackle Nick Alajajian suffered a fractured right knee and will miss the 2012 season and redshirt junior defensive end Kedric Johnson suffered a dislocated left knee and will miss a significant period of time. Both players were involved in special teams and haven't made any impact on defense, but losing those two does hurt the Gators in terms of veteran depth.
Alajajian (6-foot-4, 285 pounds) was a reserve offensive lineman for his first three seasons but was moved to defensive tackle in the spring. Johnson has just nine tackles and one sack in 25 career games.
UF coach Will Muschamp said Friday that senior defensive tackle Nick Alajajian suffered a fractured right knee and will miss the 2012 season and redshirt junior defensive end Kedric Johnson suffered a dislocated left knee and will miss a significant period of time. Both players were involved in special teams and haven't made any impact on defense, but losing those two does hurt the Gators in terms of veteran depth.
Alajajian (6-foot-4, 285 pounds) was a reserve offensive lineman for his first three seasons but was moved to defensive tackle in the spring. Johnson has just nine tackles and one sack in 25 career games.
Schedule: The Gators' first practice is on Friday, and their first day in pads is on Aug. 8. They open the season at home against Bowling Green on Sept. 1. The game will air on ESPN at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Returning starters: Seven on offense, 10 on defense, and the place-kicker and punter on special teams.
Star power: Junior safety Matt Elam was one of Florida's most heralded recruits in the 2010 recruiting class, and now could compete to be one of the top safeties in the SEC. He's the heart of the Gators' defense and can make plays all over the field, as he led Florida with 11 tackles for loss and totaled 78 tackles last fall.
New faces: Will Muschamp isn't afraid to play freshmen, and he has a handful who could see time early. Defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. is on campus and could get looks at the hybrid linebacker/defensive end Buck position. Fellow end Jonathan Bullard could also compete for time outside. Also, keep an eye on tight ends Colin Thompson and Kent Taylor, who should get more reps this fall with A.C. Leonard's departure this summer. And cornerback Brian Poole could get quality reps on defense during camp.
Returning starters: Seven on offense, 10 on defense, and the place-kicker and punter on special teams.
Star power: Junior safety Matt Elam was one of Florida's most heralded recruits in the 2010 recruiting class, and now could compete to be one of the top safeties in the SEC. He's the heart of the Gators' defense and can make plays all over the field, as he led Florida with 11 tackles for loss and totaled 78 tackles last fall.
New faces: Will Muschamp isn't afraid to play freshmen, and he has a handful who could see time early. Defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. is on campus and could get looks at the hybrid linebacker/defensive end Buck position. Fellow end Jonathan Bullard could also compete for time outside. Also, keep an eye on tight ends Colin Thompson and Kent Taylor, who should get more reps this fall with A.C. Leonard's departure this summer. And cornerback Brian Poole could get quality reps on defense during camp.
GatorNation video position preview: DB
July, 20, 2012
7/20/12
8:00
AM ET
By
Michael DiRocco and
Jeff Barlis | ESPN.com
ESPN’s GatorNation is previewing each position leading up to the start of the season with a short video. Each Friday until the season kicks off, Michael DiRocco and Jeff Barlis will analyze a position group, tell you who is starting and why, and provide a breakdown of the depth at the position. This week it’s the secondary.
The starters: CB Marcus Roberson (So.), S Matt Elam (Jr.), S Josh Evans (Sr.), CB Loucheiz Purifoy (So.)
The backups: CB Jaylen Watkins (Jr.), CB Jeremy Brown (RJr.), S Cody Riggs (Jr.), S Jabari Gorman (So.), S De’Ante Saunders (So.), S Valdez Showers (RFr.), DB Willie Bailey (Fr.), CB Brian Poole (Fr.), S Rhaheim Ledbetter (Fr.), S Marcus Maye (Fr.)
Comment: The secondary is loaded with a good mix of young and veteran talent. Elam is a potential first-round NFL draft pick. Roberson started 10 games last season before going down with a neck injury. Purifoy had a great spring and pairs with Roberson to give the Gators a pair of big corners. Watkins, Saunders and Riggs all started games last season. Gorman had a good spring and led all tacklers in the spring game. Plenty of opportunities on special teams for the other freshmen.
The starters: CB Marcus Roberson (So.), S Matt Elam (Jr.), S Josh Evans (Sr.), CB Loucheiz Purifoy (So.)
The backups: CB Jaylen Watkins (Jr.), CB Jeremy Brown (RJr.), S Cody Riggs (Jr.), S Jabari Gorman (So.), S De’Ante Saunders (So.), S Valdez Showers (RFr.), DB Willie Bailey (Fr.), CB Brian Poole (Fr.), S Rhaheim Ledbetter (Fr.), S Marcus Maye (Fr.)
Comment: The secondary is loaded with a good mix of young and veteran talent. Elam is a potential first-round NFL draft pick. Roberson started 10 games last season before going down with a neck injury. Purifoy had a great spring and pairs with Roberson to give the Gators a pair of big corners. Watkins, Saunders and Riggs all started games last season. Gorman had a good spring and led all tacklers in the spring game. Plenty of opportunities on special teams for the other freshmen.
ABOUT GATOR NATION
Michael DiRocco
Michael DiRocco came to ESPN.com in 2011 after spending 10 and a half years covering UF for the Florida Times-Union. He lives in Middleburg, Fla., with his wife and two sons. Email him at espndirocco@gmail.com.
Derek Tyson
Derek Tyson joined ESPN.com in 2011. He worked as a football and recruiting analyst for GatorCountry.com before joining ESPN. He currently resides in Gainesville, Fla. Email him at derektysonespn@gmail.com.