Florida Gators 2012 Recruiting Class: The Defense

We covered the offense earlier today

and now we’re on to the defense. With Will Muschamp at the helm, it’s no surprise the Florida Gators’ 2012 recruiting class is heavy on the defensive side of the ball. The offense struggled mightily in 2011, so that raises some questions, but the defense appears to be in good order.

For just the list, click here. Rankings will be added to that list over time.

Willie Bailey, DB – The 6’1”, 165-pound Bailey is a tall, but lanky cornerback that fits the Muschamp mold. Dating back to his days at other programs, Muschamp likes tall, strong defensive backs. Bailey fits the tall bill, but we need to work on the strong part. He can play and has the potential to be a contributor, but will need to add bulk. Luckily he has time to do so. He will spend a season or two learning the system before seeing significant time on the field.

Jonathan Bullard, DE – When high school teammate Rhaheim Ledbetter committed to Florida many thought Bullard wouldn’t be far behind. Then analysts weren’t so sure and at one point it seemed like adding Bullard to the class was just a dream. The dream came true though when he put on a Gators’ cap. In Bullard, Florida got one of the nation’s top players and a tenacious defensive end that is equally skilled in disrupting the pass and run games. Expect to see him playing early in his Gator career.

Bryan Cox Jr., DE – The son of former NFL All-Pro Brian Cox, the younger Cox is one of three new Gators being mentioned in the same breath as the buck position. All three are listed at defensive ends, but all three could play there, at linebacker or in the buck role. If Cox is even half as relentless and dangerous of a defender as his father was, Florida is in for a treat.

Dante Fowler Jr., DE – Ah the drama of the recruiting cycle. Whether or not Fowler would flip from Florida State to Florida became on the big questions of this year’s class. An extremely desired prospect, Fowler committed to FSU very early in the process, but on National Signing Day made the switch. He’s another being mentioned as a candidate for the buck position and may have become Ronald Powell’s backup the moment he committed.

Damien Jacobs, DT – The Gators haven’t had a lot of luck with community college transfers in recent years. Their limited time in the program doesn’t typically allow them to develop quickly enough. Jacobs will attempt to reverse that trend and hopes to find a spot in the rotation immediately.

Rhaheim Ledbetter, DB – Mentioned as a linebacker at times, Ledbetter most likely settles in best as a safety. A hard hitter with good field speed, he could make an impact early in his career as a special teamer before making the transition to the defensive backfield. Along with Bullard, Alex McCalister and offensive lineman D.J. Humphries, Ledbetter is part of a great group from the state of North Carolina.

JaFar Mann, DT – Stephenson gave the college ranks a number of great prospects during the 2012 recruiting cycle. Among them was Mann. Despite the decommitment of high school teammate Mike Davis, Mann stuck with his choice and signed with the Gators. A big lineman, Mann has the potential to be a terror in the middle of the defensive line.

Marcus Maye, DB – Maye was a prospect that jumped up many boards as the cycle went on. Likely to make a contribution early in his career, Maye probably fits in best as a safety in the defensive backfield. Like Colin Thompson on the offensive side of the ball, Maye became a fan favorite for his recruiting efforts throughout the cycle. He wasn’t able to convince one of his best friends – Nelson Agholor – to pick the orange and blue, but that doesn’t make him any less of a Gator.

Alex McCalister, DE – A late pickup that was somewhat of a surprise, McCalister joins Cox and Fowler as defensive ends with potential to play the buck position. McCalister is the tallest of the three, but also has the lightest frame. His speed allows him to make up for his overall strength, but he’ll have time to work on his conditioning early in his career.

Antonio Morrison, LB – With great size already for a linebacker, Morrison should see mop up duty early. There’s nothing quite like actual game experience and he may get that thanks to his general frame. With all up in the air at the position once Jon Bostic and Jelani Jenkins move on, 2012 is very important to players like Morrison and Jeremi Powell.

Dante Phillips, DT – At 6’6”, 268 may be a little light for Phillips, but his quickness makes up for that. He’ll have the opportunity to add bulk and already possesses strength relative to his size. Not that 268 is small by any means, but Phillips has the ability to play with added weight. With many of the defensive tackles now upperclassmen, don’t be surprised if someone like Phillips is given time early to get up to speed in the college game.

Brian Poole, DB – Poole has every right to say “I told you so” if he wishes. If you followed the dreamland that is the recruiting rumor mill, you might have thought Poole was going to be an NSD switch to Notre Dame. He said he was committed then proved it by signing with Florida. All the Gators got was one of the nation’s best cornerbacks and someone that could play immediately.

Jeremi Powell, LB – Concerns over the academic side of things made it seem like Marshall had a real shot at getting Powell late in the process. He stuck with his commitment to Florida and will work hard to ensure he is eligible to be a part of the active roster in the fall. Powell is one of the feel-good stories of this year’s cycle. Be sure to take some time to read up about him.

Quinteze Williams, DE – The final member – alphabetically – of the recruiting class, Williams is the 92nd defensive lineman to sign with the Gators in 2012. My math may be just a little off, but it seems like there are that many. What’s amazing is that as more came aboard, those like Williams that committed early stayed the course. With many of the other defensive ends being looked at for the buck position, Williams will be a true DE. He possesses the size already to play end in the 3-4.

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