Gator Country predicts Florida’s post spring two-deep depth chart: Defense.
Defensive Line
DE: Justus Boone, Tyreak Sapp or LJ McCray, or Kam James
DT: Cam Jackson, Jamari Lyons, Desmond Watson
DT: Joey Slackman, Caleb Banks or Kelby Collins
Edge: TJ Searcy, George Gumbs, Quincy Ivory
Notes and observations
- Justus Boone is still rehabbing from his ACL injury; he’s expected to be ready by fall camp.
- Kelby Collins moved to interior defensive line this offseason.
- Cam Jackson is down 20 pounds this offseason and appears to be in much better shape.
- UPenn transfer Joey Slackman has violent, quick hands and is deceptively powerful.
- George Gumbs has only played one season on defense throughout his collegiate career but possesses elite athleticism and speed.
- This defensive line unit will rotate and rotate a ton. You could see Cam Jackson and Joey Slackman on the field at the same time in early down situations while better pass rushers such as Kelby Collins or Caleb Banks could see the field more on passing downs.
Linebacker
LB: Shemar James, Mannie Nunnery
LB: Grayson Howard, Derek Wingo
Notes and observations
- South Carolina transfer Grayson Howard has impressed Florida’s staff upon arrival. Howard graded as the Gamecocks’ top tackler in 2023. His athleticism and coverage skills flashed in Florida’s Orange and Blue game.
- Shemar James was limited throughout spring camp while still recovering from a knee injury he suffered in October.
- True freshman Myles Graham was sidelined for the majority of spring camp with a back injury. He’s one player who could climb the depth chart very quickly when he returns.
Cornerback
CB: Jason Marshall, Ja’Keem Jackson
CB: Devin Moore, Dijon Johnson or Jameer Grimsley
Notes and observations
- Devin Moore is finally healthy after missing significant time in his first two seasons of college football.
- Florida added Jameer Grimsley through the transfer portal after he originally signed with Alabama. This adds significant depth at what could be the strength of Florida’s roster.
Star
Star: Sharif Denson or Aaron Gates, Josiah Davis
Notes and observations
- The star/nickel position has been one of the more competitive units this spring. Sharif Denson and Aaron Gates are battling it out for a starting spot.
- Billy Napier believes that Denson and Gates can play multiple positions and that will help them both see the field this season. You could see the duo on the field at the same time in 2024.
Safety
S: Asa Turner, DJ Douglas
S: Jordan Castell, Bryce Thornton or Trikweze Bridges
Notes and observations
- The safety room could go from being one of the weakest position groups in 2023 to the strongest in 2024 as Florida added three transfer portal safeties while returning Jordan Castell and Bryce Thornton, who both found significant reps as true freshman.
- Asa Turner certainty looked the part in Florida’s Orange and Blue spring game. The Washington transfer started 28 games across five seasons with the Huskies including in the 2023 National Championship game.
- Tulane transfer DJ Douglas has impressed the staff with his experience and play making ability.