Countdown to Camp: Defensive Backs

Marco Wilson was just the fourth true freshman in program history to start a season opener at cornerback.

Countdown to Camp: Defensive Backs

Tuesday, July 31, 2018 | Football, Chris Harry

The seventh installment of our position-by-position look at the Gators heading toward the start of preseason practice Friday.

By: Chris Harry, Senior Writer

DEFENSIVE BACKS

They're back: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (6-0, 207, Junior); Marco Wilson (6-0, 177, Sophomore); CJ Henderson (5-11, 179, Sophomore); Jeawon Taylor (6-0, 206, Junior); Brian Edwards (6-2, 183, Sophomore); Brad Stewart (6-1, 191, Sophomore); Shawn Davis (5-11, 191, Sophomore); Donovan Stiner (6-1, 198, Sophomore); Quincy Lenton (5-11, 205, R-Sophomore); C.J. McWilliams (5-11, 179, R-Sophomore).

Fresh faces: Trey Dean III (6-2, 181, Freshman); David Reese (6-2, 220, Freshman); John Huggins (6-0, 200, Freshman).

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson's versatility makes him the ideal fit for the hybrid "star" position in the secondary.

Overview: So what lies ahead for the Class of 2018 at DBU? The group may not be as deep as it has been in some recent years, but the trio of Gardner-Johnson, Henderson and Wilson is a great nucleus from which to work. Gardner-Johnson has been tabbed to play the so-called "star" position, which is the secondary equivalent to the "rush" spot on the defensive line that will emphasize the unique, all-around attributes of Cece Jefferson. Gardner-Johnson has some special talents as well. He started all 11 games and finished

with two interceptions and six tackles for loss in '17. He basically will play a rotating nickelback role that will have him in man coverage at times, blitzing others, and backing into the safety spot. Like Jefferson, he could be in three different spots over three consecutive plays, thus keeping offenses guessing. Gardner-Johnson has had tackling issues in the past, but those can be traced to a lack of technique and discipline, rather than an unwillingness for contact. Look for him to be better on that front this season. On the corners, there's Henderson and Wilson, maybe the best true sophomore tandem in the country — maybe the best set of rookies ever to lineup at UF last season. Wilson became just the fourth true freshman in Gators history to start a season opener at cornerback (joining Joe Haden, Janoris Jenkins and Marcus Roberson). Henderson, after returning an interception for a touchdown in the opener against Michigan, started the second game of the season — and had another pick-6. With their cover skills in relation to Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham's use of blitzes, both will be invaluable for the ability to play man coverage. Barring injury, the Florida defense is set at those spots for the next two seasons, with Edwards, McWilliams, and Dean, a supremely confident freshman, prodding depth on the outside. Burney looks like the top backup to Gardner-Johnson's spot. Taylor had a step up at the starting safety position coming out of spring. He's had a tough time staying healthy, specifically with a shoulder injury, and is coming off surgery and a non-contact spring. Taylor, Stewart, Stiner, Davis and Reese are physical players who will be in the mix on the back end.

As a true freshman in 2017, CJ Henderson returned interceptions for touchdowns in each of his first two games, including the home opener against Tennesee.

If season started today: The base 3-4 (subject to change, as mentioned the last two installments) would leave a quartet defensive backs. That foursome likely would be Henderson and Wilson on the corners, Gardner-Johnson manning that hybrid nickel/safety position, with Taylor either in the box or on the back end. In a five-DB alignment, probably Davis and Stiner would be on the backend with Taylor.

Speculation: Dean, who flipped his commitment from Tennessee last fall, looks like the best candidate among true freshman to play the most on defense this season. He signed in December, enrolled in January and flashed both skill and swag in the spring.

Next: Special teams

The Series
Part 1: Quarterbacks
Part 2: Running backs
Part 3: Receivers
Part 4: Offensive line
Part 5: Defensive line
Part 6: Linebackers