Florida football: Positions still up for grabs on defense

It may wind up being the strongest aspect of the Florida football team this season. But, there is still plenty left unresolved on defense.

Even when you have a lot of experience back, deciding who starts and who doesn’t isn’t easy for Florida football coach Dan Mullen.

In the first depth chart of the season, there is still plenty to fight for, even on the defensive side of the ball, where the Gators bring back the most experience.

Notably, going into Saturday’s season opener against Miami, at least five positions — including both safety spots — are up for grabs as nothing is set in stone.

In terms of the safety position, Jeawon Taylor and Brad Stewart are battling for one of the slots, while Donovan Stiner and Shawn Davis are still in contention for the second safety position.

Stewart started seven games last season at safety and notched an interception for a touchdown in the win over LSU. He had 41 tackles and two pass break-ups over the season.

Taylor, on the other hand, played in all 13 games for the Gators last season and had a season-best seven tackles in Florida’s win over Michigan in the Peach Bowl.

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This battle is likely one of the better ones in the off-season as both Stewart and Taylor have credentials for the spot. It will come down to who wants it more in practice, but I would expect to see them both on the field Saturday.

Davis finally came on late last season after sitting out part of the season with an injury. He had 22 tackles and five pass break-ups in the final nine games of the season.

I give the edge to Stiner as he has been more aggressive on the ball and is likely healthier. That said, both are equally good enough to start against Miami.

Another position battle is for a middle linebacker. Amari Burney and Ventrell Miller are both listed as possibles to flank fellow middle linebacker David Reese II.

Burney cut his teeth last season on special teams and did get his first collegiate sack against Michigan in the Peach Bowl.

Miller also played most of last season on special teams but did get four tackles and a sack against Charleston Southern.

This is a case where you have two young, aggressive players looking to make a name for themselves. This could very well be a game-time decision for Mullen and the defensive coaching staff.

Burney is also in contention to be the star back on defense. He is battling with Trey Dean III for the position, which is more of a linebacking spot than safety.

Dean came in last season after Marco Wilson suffered his season-ending injury. He had 26 tackles in the last nine games of the season.

I like both players here. But, if Burney doesn’t lock up the middle linebacking spot, this one could be his.

Jon Greenard and Jeremiah Moon continue to battle it out for the buck position on the line. Both, have good credentials on the table and this could be anyone’s position.

As for the rest of the defense, it is pretty well set:

CB — C.J. Henderson
End — Jabari Zuniga
Nose — Kyree Campbell
Tackle — Adam Shuler
Buck — Jon Greenard or Jeremiah Moon
CB — Marco Wilson

Florida football will open the season in Orlando against the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday, Aug. 24.