Florida football: Pre-Season Gators’ defensive depth chart
By Ty Butler
Cornerback
At cornerback, the Gators have the potential to be truly special.
Although, this has become an annual expectation for Florida football, who has produced numerous talented defensive backs throughout the years.
And thanks to the gifted group of guys returning in 2020, we can expect to see the tradition continue.
Specifically, we need to keep an eye out for Kaiir Elam. The sophomore who tallied three interceptions in 2019, and looks to start a memorable career in the orange and blue.
Elam has a great frame at 6’2, which allows him to gain position on opposing receivers and disrupt would-be receptions. His ability to go up and fight for the football really separates him amongst other young talents on Florida’s secondary.
The funny thing is, it just so happens that he’s also the cousin of former Gator, Matt Elam, who had a terrific career with Florida football during the Muschamp years.
On the opposite side, Marco Wilson will obviously take over the other cornerback role. Wilson is a prominent coverage corner who expects to increase his draft stock in 2020 and bounce back after a stable, yet somewhat underwhelming performance last season.
And even though some critics were disappointed by his showing in 2019, Wilson still managed to intercept three passes and record 36 total defensive stops in the process.
Altogether, the combination of an experienced guy like Wilson, and a rising talent like Elam should prove to be enough, even after losing CJ Henderson to the NFL.
If both of these guys can live up to their hype, we could see their sheer presence change the outcome of many games.
Projection
1- Kaiir Elam
2- Jaydon Hill
1- Marco Wilson
2- Trey Dean