Countdown to Camp: Defensive Backs

Nick Washington's 38 game appearances is the most by any returning UF defensive back.

Countdown to Camp: Defensive Backs

Monday, July 31, 2017 | Football, Chris Harry

The loss of fifth-year senior Marcell Harris was a blow to a group already light on experience.

By: Chris Harry, Senior Writer

* Part 7

SECONDARY

They're back: Duke Dawson (5-11, 208, Senior); Nick Washington (6-0, 197, R-Senior); Chauncey Gardner, Jr. (5-11, 204, Sophomore); Jeawon Taylor (6-0, 187, Sophomore); Joseph Putu (6-2, 195, Senior).

Fresh faces: Marco Wilson (5-11, 177, Freshman); Quincy Lenton (5-11, 202, R-Freshman); C.J. McWilliams (5-11, 171, R-Freshman); CJ Henderson (6-1, 182, Freshman); Donovan Stiner (6-1, 194, Freshman); Shawn Davis (5-11, 185, Freshman); Brad Stewart (6-0, 191, Freshman).

Chauncey Gardner had two interceptions, including a 58-yard TD return, in his MVP Outback Bowl performance.

Overview: On Day 2 of the NFL Draft, the New York Jets tabbed UF safety Marcus Maye with the seventh pick of the second round. Seven picks later, Indianapolis took Quincy Wilson. Seven picks later, Detroit selected Jalen Tabor. Seven picks after that, well, there were no more draft-eligible Gator defensive backs available — and maybe that's the only reason another wasn't taken. You get the point. Florida was loaded with marquee talent in the secondary last season, and that was a year after cornerback Vernon Hargreaves and safety Keanu Neal were plucked in the first round. In order for "DBU" to keep cranking out cum laudes, new secondary coach Corey Bell has some serious work to do, especially after losing starting safety Marcell Harris to torn Achilles tendon just two weeks before the start of camp. With Washington and Dawson, the Gators have a pair of solid seniors who have made some big plays over their careers. Roll Gardner, who had a pair of interceptions and was MVP of the Outback Bowl as a true freshman in January, into the mix. Those are three very good players. Dawson and Gardner worked as the first-unit corners throughout spring, but barring an unheralded gem among the youngsters one of the two is headed back to safety to replace Harris, which means someone with very little experience has to play corner. That may be a guy like Taylor, who played almost exclusively on special teams in his 10 games last season. Or it might mean Wilson, the true freshman and brother of Quincy who opened some eyes during summer workouts. Stewart is another rookie candidate. Or it could be … well, you get the idea. Hopefully, Bell and co-defensive coordinators Randy Shannon and Chris Rumph have a better one than we do.

If season started today: It'll be Washington, Dawson, Gardner somewhere back there, along with … um … well … guess it could be … . We'll see.

Speculation: Not to bemoan the point, but remember, it's not just a fourth DB (and depth behind the starters) the Gators need to settle on. Depending on the opponent, the Florida defense could be operating out of nickel a whole bunch, which means a bona fide fifth guy needs to step up as well.

Next: Special Teams

The Series
Part 1: Quarterbacks
Part 2: Running Backs
Part 3: Wide Receivers and Tight ends
Part 4: Offensive line
Part 5: Defensive line
Part 6: Linebackers