Florida football position power rankings for 2023
By Will Thomas
![Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier gestures alongside Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15), Florida Gators running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (2), and Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne (7) during fall football practice at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, August 5, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F480a5b26fd88c46cc6584e625d49514ed8d5ea53369dc6ed817b549db865e63c.jpg "Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier gestures alongside Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15), Florida Gators running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (2), and Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne (7) during fall football practice at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, August 5, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]")
Florida football position power rankings: No. 2, DL
The Gators’ defensive line will have its best season in a few years this fall, and it will be thanks to the schemes that Armstrong draws up.
With the added pressure, it will leave the DL in more one on one situations, and allow the players to use their talents to make plays and display what they can do.
When you look at the DL room, the first guy you see is Desmon Watson. You literally cannot miss him. At 6’5”-439, he’s the biggest guy, maybe ever.
With that size, he isn’t the most mobile or nimble guy out there, but his raw strength and power were put on display a few times last season.
Chris McClellan is another name to watch, a sophomore coming back and looking to make a bigger impact this fall than last.
There are a ton of new faces in the room that could all make a name for themselves this season. The true freshman at DL that could see some meaningful action are Will Norman and Gavin Hill, both of whom were in-state recruits.
And then we have Cam Jackson, the transfer from Memphis, who will be a day-one starter for UF and be one of their best defensive linemen all year long.
The whole defense has the chance to take a big step forward this season, and I think the defensive line will make the most notable improvement.