Muschamp releases first depth chart; Gators could have young starting secondary
Monday, August 29, 2011 | Football, Scott Carter
Gators coach Will Muschamp has released the depth chart for Saturday's season opener against Florida Atlantic.
The offensive line and secondary – two positions Muschamp discussed as being unsettled during his press conference Monday – offered the primary surprises.
Fifth-year senior Dan Wenger, a transfer from Notre Dame, is listed as the starter at left guard ahead of Kyle Koehne and Ian Silberman. At right tackle, Matt Patchan is listed to start in front of Chaz Green.
Meanwhile, in the secondary freshman Marcus Roberson is listed with Jaylen Watkins as the starter at one of the cornerback spots.
If Roberson starts on Saturday, he'll be the third true freshman cornerback in school history to start in the season opener, joining former Gators Joe Haden and Janoris Jenkins.
Freshman De'Ante “Pop” Saunders is listed opposite Matt Elam to start at safety. If Saunders and Roberson both start, it will mark the first time in school history that two true freshmen have started in the secondary on opening day.
The Gators' 104-man roster features 70 freshmen and sophomores, and only two projected starters on defense have more than 10 career starts entering the season.
