Post-fall camp projected depth chart: Defense

The Gators have wrapped up fall camp and began their transition into Utah prep as Florida is set to face the Utes in just ten days.

“I think we kind of officially turn the page here relative to training camp,” Napier said on Saturday. “Although school starts Wednesday, we’ll just have a few different points of emphasis for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday but it’s been a great camp.”

After observing the media portion of practices throughout fall camp, Gator Country provides our 2023 projected defensive depth chart.

DEFENSIVE LINE:

JACK / OLB: Princely Umanmielen / Jack Pyburn / TJ Searcy

NT: Cam’Ron Jackson / Desmond Watson

DT: Chris McClellan / Caleb Banks / Will Norman

EDGE: Tyreak Sapp / Jack Pyburn / Kelby Collins / Kam’Ran James

ANALYSIS:

Florida added a pair of transfers at defensive tackle in Cam’Ron Jackson and Caleb Banks that are expected to be heavily involved in the rotation this season.

Tyreak Sapp recently moved into a permanent role at EDGE after Justus Boone’s season ending ACL tear.

Jack Pyburn is expected to serve in a backup role at either side of the defensive line.

This group, like many other positions on the roster, relies on young and inexperienced depth. Princely Umanmielen, Cam’Ron Jackson, and Desmond Watson provide veteran experience and leadership to the group.

LINEBACKER:

LB: Teradja Mitchell / Derek Wingo / Jaden Robinson

LB: Shemar James / Mannie Nunnery / Scooby Williams

ANALYSIS:

Florida’s LB room could be the deepest unit on the roster in 2022. The additions of Teradja Mitchell and Mannie Nunnery via the transfer portal were solid replacements for Ventrell Miller and Amari Burney, who both got drafted to the NFL during the offseason.

Shemar James is a rising star at the position, possessing the athleticism and speed to make a big jump in his sophomore campaign.

CORNERBACK:

CB: Jason Marshall / Ja’Keem Jackson / Aaron Gates

CB: Devin Moore or Jalen Kimber / Dijon Johnson

ANALYSIS:

Devin Moore and Jalen Kimber are in a competitive battle for the second cornerback spot opposite of Jason Marshall. Kimer impressed me this offseason and closed the gap on Moore, who started over him as a true freshman.

True freshman cornerbacks Ja’Keem Jackson and Dijon Johnson are expected to contribute often throughout their rookie campaigns.

SAFETY:

S: RJ Moten / Jordan Castell

S: Miguel Mitchell / Kamari Wilson

ANALYSIS:

Two of either RJ Moten, Miguel Mitchell, or Kamari Wilson will start at the safety spots for the Gators in 2023, and I’ve projected the former. Moten’s experience and leadership makes him a clear-cut starter, while Miguel Mitchell has impressed me in fall camp with his speed.

STAR / NICKEL:

Jaydon Hill / Jadarrius Perkins / Sharif Denson

ANALYSIS:

Jaydon Hill switched from cornerback to STAR/NICKEL after conversating with the coaching staff this offseason. Jadarrius Perkins returns at the position and is expected to see time on the field. Sharif Denson was a part of the loaded cornerback class for the 2023 cycle and is a promising freshman at the position.