Florida’s defensive back class is considered to be a strength in the 2023 recruiting cycle. Although Billy Napier and his staff didn’t land top targets in Cormani McClain and Desmond Ricks, there’s still several players that could earn early playing time for the Gators. This group has great length, speed, and versatility.
JORDAN CASTELL
The lengthy safety held 34 offers out of high school, but never wavered his commitment to the Florida Gators.
“Jordan Castell is a 6’2″, 200-pound player that plays corner, but I think is going to start in the safety room,” Napier said during early signing day. “I thought he really improved as a tackler as a senior.”
“We had him in camp, the height, the length. He can cover. You go in that school, he is the guy. The principal, the teachers, the counselors, his mom is an unbelievable person, obviously a great story,” Napier said.
Castell’s father passed away in October of 2021.
“Just a tough dynamic with his dad and all that happened, but just really a guy that I think is unique, just love to be around him,” Napier said. “I thought he had a great senior year, and to be 6’2″, 205 and move around like he does, I think is a big deal.”
Castell ran track (hurdles) for West Orange High School in Winter Garden Florida.
SHARIF DENSON
The 5-11.5, 170-pound cornerback stayed true to his commitment with Florida and signed with the Gators on Wednesday despite a late push from Miami.
“Sharif Denson is — you know, when you go around the area and you visit different high schools, every coach talks about Sharif Denson and the competitor he is,” Napier said. “He’s a matchup player. He can play corner. He can play star. He is a competitor.”
“We had a chance to observe him in the seven-on-seven competition,” Napier said. “Obviously both of his parents being University of Florida folks, just cares about the place, and I think a very smart player that comes from a great culture there at Bartram Trail, he’s going to bring a lot to our team. Mature and ready to go. So he is an early enrollee.”
Denson is one of a few players in this class that could start from day one.
JA’KEEM JACKSON
Ja’Keem Jackson is a player that’s relatively new to the cornerback position.
“Ja’Keem Jackson, I think, is probably one of the more talented players in the class, just relative to he’s got a high ceiling,” Napier said. “Receiver moved to corner. I originally evaluated him as a receiver. We had him on the receiver board. He makes the move. He runs 10.9 as a junior at 6’1/2″, 189 pounds. Two-way player in some games as a high school player. Put on a show as a senior.”
“One of the best players in the state, in my opinion. And really a guy this time last year, not a lot of people talking about the guy,” Napier said. “So height, length, verified speed, and mom and dad are awesome.”
Jackson ran track at Osceola High School.
“He’s got a history of athletes in his family,” Napier said. “A lot of track background, so they know what it’s like. He knows how to work. Great program there that made a run in the playoffs.”
Corey Raymond had a significant impact on Ja’Keem Jackson during his recruitment.
DIJON JOHNSON
The former Ohio State commit flipped to the Gators on Oct. 13th, 2022.
“Dijon Johnson, I think, is a very unique player for his size. Plays corner, very physical, can make a play on the ball,” Napier said. “6’1″, close to 190 pounds, and a guy that you put him up there and he can put his hands on you. He’s great in press coverage. I think he’s instinctive, he’s a great tackler, and he makes plays on the ball. Had a phenomenal year there.”
The Tampa product could be in line for early playing time as a true freshman.
BRYCE THORNTON
The Gators staff had Bryce Thornton very high on their defensive back board in 2023.
“If you want to just go watch a highlight tape, go watch his highlight tape,” Napier said. “This guy, he’s 5’10”, close to 200 pounds, 190 pounds, big features. His mother was an athlete, basketball family. You go in this guy’s school, everybody loves Bryce. He’s got an unbelievable smile, just brings great energy.”
Thornton appeared in nine games during his senior season as he dealt with minor injuries.
“Played through some injuries, tough,” Napier said. “And another player that comes from a great culture, where they’ve won, they overachieve. The coaching staff there, to get what they got out of their team this year, they lost a ton of players.”
Thornton chose Florida over Alabama on Oct. 13th, 2022. Thornton’s father, Bruce Thornton, was a running back at Georgia in the early 1990s. He was later selected in the 4th round of the 1994 NFL Draft.
“Very, very impressed with Bryce, not only his production as a player, but just his demeanor, and he’s another early enrollee,” Napier said.
Thornton will play safety for the Gators.
AARON GATES
Gates is the longest committed Gator of the 2023 class, despite a push from Michigan for much of his recruitment.
“Let me say this about Aaron Gates. Aaron Gates was the one member of this class that was committed when we arrived, I think, right? Man, I can’t tell you how much respect I have for A.G. and just who he is as a competitor,” Napier said.
“My brother’s team plays against his team. I remember my brother called him in the summer and said Gates is a problem,” Napier said. “ Plays both ways, returner, DB, receiver. Got injured as a senior, but his parents probably have more — I mean, the wisdom, right? I’m a guy who’s raising a 10, 8, 6-year-old, but when I’m with them, man, I’m asking them questions because just so much respect for who they are and their son and what their family’s about.”
Gates tore his ACL early on in the 2022 season at Trinity Christian High School.
“Aaron Gates is a worker. He’s relentless. He’s in the process of rehabbing right now,” Napier said. “Aaron Gates is going to make the Gators better on the field, but just his presence, his character, the work ethic, the drive, he’s a very unique person.”
If there’s one area that Florida doesn’t need to target in the transfer portal this offseason, it’s defensive back. This class is filled with a combination of ready players and raw talent.