Florida Gators post-spring camp depth chart projection: Defense

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — With spring camp in the rearview mirror, Gators Online projects the Florida Gators offensive depth chart.

Gators Online projection of the defensive depth chart

Defensive End

Starter: Justus Boone

Backup: Tyreak Sapp

Justus Boone has emerged as one of the Gators’ leaders on the defense. He’s a vocal player who is not afraid to make his opinion known. In Austin Armstrong’s defense I think we’ll see a lot of movement along the defensive line. Boone can play EDGE and his backup, Tyreak Sapp can slide inside and play defenisve tackle as well. I think we could see Kelby Collins get some playing time at defensive end as well.

Defensive Tackle

Starter: Caleb Banks

Backup: Chris McClellan

I have to admit, I thought Caleb Banks was going to be more of a longterm project when he first transferred to Florida before the spring. Banks put together a really solid spring camp and had a good spring game. He and Chris McClelland (who can play both interior spots) will give the Gators a good rotation inside.

Nose Tackle

Starter: Cam Jackson

Backup: Desmond Watson

Cam Jackson was the most impressive of the transfer portal players for the Gators. He was really hard to block all spring and his teammates raved about his size and quickness. He made a great business decision coming to Florida. Watson will need to get his weight back under control. The junior was back up over 450 pounds in the spring. He’s a talented player and has elite strength and movement for his size, but the staff would like him to play around 400 or under it if he can.

EDGE

Starter: Princely Umanmielen

Backup: Jack Pyburn / Kelby Collins / TJ Searcy

The loss of Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. shouldn’t hurt Florida that much when you look at what they have left at the position. Princely Umanmielen will lead the group with Jack Pyburn and two very talented freshmen already vying for playing time. Justus Boone can and will also slide here and play the EDGE as well.

MLB

Starter: Teradja Mitchell / Shemar James

Backup: Derek Wingo / Scooby Williams

Teradja Mitchell came in from Ohio State and within the first week of practice was already calling out plays and assignments as the quarterback of the defense. An older player who has dealt with injuries, Florida elected to make him non-contact for much of the spring. That only aided in the development of Shemar James and Scooby Williams. Derek Wingo will make his return from shoulder and foot surgeries and he’ll be in the mix here as well

Cornerback

Starter: Jason Marshall / Jalen Kimber

Backup: Ja’Keem Jackson / Devin Moore

With Corey Raymond taking over the defense I’m expecting more man and press coverage. That should benefit Jason Marshall. Jalen Kimber has taken the other starting role outside of Marshall. The veteran from Georgia will have to hold on to that spot with true freshman Ja’Keem Jackson and sophomore Devin Moore on his heels. Moore was non-contact for the entirety of spring. He missed most of his freshman season and then the spring. Florida has to get and keep him healthy.

Nickel (star)

Starter: Jadarrius Perkins

Backup: Jaydon Hill

Jadarrius Perkins doesn’t lack confidence. He tweeted that he’s the best nickel in the country. He also could back up at safety. Perkins will graduate this spring. Jaydon Hill was asked to work at nickel this spring. We didn’t really see the lateral quickness and physicality that the position calls for. The Gators continue looking for someone to be the next Chauncey Gardner-Johnson here. I don’t think that type of player is on the roster.

Safety

Starter: Kamari Wilson / Miguel Mitchell

Backup: Jadarrius Perkins / Jordan Castell / Bryce Thorton

Florida can and should add a player here. Kamari Wilson and Miguel Mitchell are young players and the depth behind them is even younger. The Gators would have been better suited if Rashad Torrence (who went undrafted) came back to school.

With the transfer portal closing on Sunday (April 30) look for the Gators to bring in some safeties on visits this spring.

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