Florida Gators Football: Grading Each Position From 2016 Season

Secondary: A

Florida’s most solid position group on the team without a doubt. While this group has allowed some big plays to get past them, they have been spectacular the entire season, living up to the hype.

The only time they have been the inferior group was in the second half against Tennessee, which is the only team to pass for more than 300 yards. Florida has eight games where they have allowed less than 200 yards passing.

With players like Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson playing well all year, and players like Duke Dawson, Marcell Harris, and Chauncey Gardner all stepping up in their roles have been key for this defense.

Next year will be a down year, despite getting Marcell Harris and Duke Dawson back for a senior season, as well as a couple of young stars like Gardner, Joseph Putu, and Jeawon Taylor. This is still a group that will be solid in the years to come, but the fact is they had three players that might go in the first round from this season.

Coaching: B+

For the second straight year, Jim McElwain and company had to work miracles to overcome how erratic the offense was. They also had some of their young players play well all throughout the season.

They found a kicker, Eddy Pineiro, and have been very effective in coverage on special teams. They’ve developed a punter, Johnny Townsend, who should have won the Ray Guy award.

The downside is at times they seemed to be out-coached and made their fair share of mistakes. Whether it be play calling, or personnel that’s in the game, that’s something this coaching staff can improve upon going into next season.

Must Read: Marcell Harris will return for his senior season

But for the most part, most fans and boosters are extremely satisfied. This staff will need to step up in recruiting this cycle and get some of the those top recruits that Alabama gets in their sleep.