The one thing that pops out for the Florida Gators this spring along the defensive line is that Jon Bullard isn’t there.

Bullard was a force last year for the Gators, and he’s on his way to playing on Sundays.

So, who will Florida turn to in the middle of its defense? Caleb Brantley is first who comes to mind, and he isn’t shy about how good he thinks he can be.

“I think I’m the best D-lineman in the country,” Brantley, via Zach Abolverdi of SECCountry. “I’m coming out to try and prove it.”

The former four-star prospect was rated as the country’s No. 9 defensive tackle and the No. 20 player in the state of Florida in the 2013 recruiting class.

The 6-foot-2, 300-pound Crescent City, Florida, native started 10 games last season.

With Florida looking for a leader in the middle, Brantley has really stepped up to fill that role this spring. Jim McElwain credits Bullard with helping propel Brantley into that role.

“I’ve been really happy with Caleb Brantley in the front,” Jim McElwain said. “I think Jon Bullard did a great job of kind of teaching him what it is to be that person. So far he’s been really good this offseason.”

Sometimes it takes guys a few years to put everything together, and Florida needs him to become a force this season and live up to his own prediction.