Florida’s defense has been beat up all season long.

It’s been a juggling act for head coach Jim McElwain — as the Gators have had to rely on a hodgepodge group including reserves and inexperienced youngsters.

Florida will be playing No. 1 Alabama for the SEC Championship on Saturday. While he won’t have a fully healthy squad, there’s one integral piece to the puzzle that may return:

Despite missing the last three games with an ankle injury, linebacker Jarrad Davis is still second on the team in tackles (56) and is among the team leaders in quarterback hurries, pass breakups, and tackles-for-loss.

Davis is also the heart and soul of this defense. He’s in charge of making many of the calls within the group, and also helps to get the team lined up properly.

He participated in warmups last week prior to the Florida State game, but was unable to go. It appears as if another week of rest has helped to heal his ankle injury — and this couldn’t have come at a better time for Florida.