All season long, Florida has been searching for a reliable option at cornerback opposite Vernon Hargreaves.

And the Gators may have found their answer last week against Tennessee in true freshman Jalen Tabor. The former five-star recruit came into college with a lot of hype as a player who could make an instant impact on the defense, thanks to his outstanding press coverage skills and exceptional tackling ability.

Tabor had seen intermittent playing time so far this season, but with a secondary struggling to limit big plays, head coach Will Muschamp pledged to make some changes. As a result, Tabor got the start against Tennessee last week and shined in his first big opportunity.

He totaled three tackles against the Vols, including one pass breakup and one sack. The sack Tabor had came at the end of the third quarter and the true freshman was able to force the fumble and pick it up deep in Tennessee territory. Tabor’s forced turnover led to the Gators’ first scoring drive of the game and sparked a come-from-behind win in a crucial game for Florida. Tabor was named SEC Co-Freshman of the Week for his breakout performance.

This week, Tabor will likely get the start again and will face off against fellow true freshman and LSU wide receiver Malachi Dupre. The LSU receiver stands at a lengthy 6-foot-3, 190-pounds and is a prototypical deep threat for the Tigers. In just five games he has only 10 receptions, but has still racked up an impressive 249 yards and four touchdowns.

Because of the LSU quarterback situation, his production has been inconsistent. Brandon Harris has developed more of a rapport with the true freshman wideout as all five of Dupre’s touchdowns have come when Harris is under center. If Anthony Jennings and Harris are splitting time this weekend, Dupre will be more or less of a factor depending on who is playing at that certain time in the game.

As for Tabor and Dupre, it’s usually a good bet that offenses will avoid the side of the field with Hargreaves on it. Since VH3 will more than likely be covering Travin Dural, that likely means Tabor could be tested in the LSU passing game.

Dupre averages nearly 25 yards per reception, so Tabor will need to key on limiting the big plays. Because of Tabor’s physicality at the line and his average top-end speed, if he misplays the press coverage, it will open up the door for some big play opportunities for Dupre.

“I hope that [Jalen Tabor] is productive,” Muschamp said Wednesday. “That’d be nice. He’s a guy that just continues to improve.”

Tabor’s coverage was outstanding against Tennessee, but he’ll be tested in a big way this weekend against a fellow dynamic true freshman. Another big game from Tabor would almost certainly lock him in as the permanent No. 2 cornerback on the team and would give the Gators’ secondary some desperately needed consistency at an opportune time.