Florida football: Ranking the 12 most important Gators in 2021

3. Gervon Dexter

The true freshman played in all 12 games in 2020, starting two of them. He is Dan Mullen’s highest-rated recruit (according to 247 Sports), and the five-star recruit showed right away he is the real deal.

In 2021, this kid is the most important defensive lineman for the Gators. They need the defensive tackle to be disruptive all game and cause havoc on the interior offensive line. Dexter has top 10 pick potential in the NFL, and if he can find it already in 2021, the Gators’ defense could be elite.

2. Kaiir Elam

Speaking of elite, that would be the definition of future top 10 pick cornerback Kaiir Elam. This kid is so smooth in coverage and one of the best defenders in the nation. ESPN’s Mel Kiper said he is a top 10 player in the 2022 NFL Draft, and I agree.

The Gators need Elam to be a shutdown, No. 1 cornerback in 2021. I think Elam will help get the Gator defense back to their elite ways, but the only way that will happen is if he is dominant.

1. Emory Jones

The quarterback is almost always the most important player, and for the Gators, that is no different. Emory Jones has waited his turn at Florida, and I think it will be well worth the wait. Jones enters the Gators offense that is filled with explosive athletes and a solid offensive line. However, having head coach Dan Mullen will be the biggest thing for Jones.

Fans should expect a monster season from Jones under Mullen. Some feel that Jones can make his way into the top 10 of the 2022 NFL Draft after a dominant season, and I would not be surprised at all. Jones is an elite running quarterback, but he has sneaky good arm talent too. His success will be directly tied to the success of the Gators this season, so that is why he is the most important Gators player in 2021.