Gator Country

Florida linebacker Antonio Morrison was the first Gators true freshman to start a game this season and he could be joined by defensive end Jonathan Bullard in the starting lineup against Kentucky. / Photo by Icon Sports Media

For the fourth consecutive Saturday, Florida’s defense will be tested against a high-powered passing attack when the Gators host Kentucky at 12:21 p.m. in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

While defensive backs often are blamed for blown coverage or for getting beat when a big pass play hits, an effective pass defense begins with the front-seven defenders. For Florida, it could start a pair of true freshmen among that group because of injuries.

True freshman Antonio Morrison is expected to make his second start at weak-side (Sam) linebacker in place of Jelani Jenkins, who’s out for at least one more game after having surgery to repair a broken thumb. True freshman Jonathan Bullard may get the call at defensive end with starter Dominique Easley nursing a knee injury.

With junior college transfer Damien Jacobs at defensive tackle and true freshman Dante Fowler Jr. at Buck end/linebacker, as many as four Class of 2012 signees will be among the front seven at the same time for the Gators.

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