Spring practice is down to its last few days and will conclude on Saturday with the annual Orange and Blue Debut but before practice winds down defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin met with the media to talk about his defense so far this spring.
A number of topics were talked about by Durkin on Thursday including the secondary, the buzz around Dante Fowler this spring and creating a better a pass rush this year.
GatorCountry will have much more from Durkin’s press conference today but here’s a look at all of the topics talked about in this quick notebook.
Defensive line
- The coaches challenged Dante Fowler to be a consistent player and bring it every day and so far this spring he has stepped up to that challenge and become a leader by example.
He’s stepped up as a leader as well. He’s leading by example.”
- Jonathan Bullard is playing his best football according to Durkin and is a guy that can play inside or outside on the defensive line.
- Alex McCalister is another defensive lineman that’s stepped up and is adding depth to the pass rush game.
- Durkin says that McCalister is up to 245 pounds and his length at 6-6 can make him a very good pass rusher.
Linebackers
- Inconsistency was something that hurt Antonio Morrison last year and that’s something that the coaches have challenged him to be better with this season.
- Daniel McMillian now understands the defensive schemes and is going to play a good bit next year according to Durkin.
- Jarrad Davis is becoming a leader and is someone that is continuing to progress from last season.
- Both Matt Rolin and Alex Anzalone have been around the meetings and walkthroughs and once they get back and are healthy, are two player Durkin hopes can make an impact this season.
Extra Notes
- Durkin is pleased by the play of the defense so far and pleased with the improvements made with technique.
- Keanu Neal is back healthy and is a player that can play a number of spots.Durkin describes him as a player that is everything you want in a safety.
- Marcus Maye’s status for the spring game is up in the air right now as he’s a “little dinged up” according to Durkin.
- Durkin is excited about Duke Dawson and his coverage ability as well as physical play so far this spring.