The 2014 season was one of mediocrity for the Florida Gators, but a brand new head coach brings hope that the Gators’ fortunes will turn around in 2015.

A big part in that turnaround will be the return of some of Florida’s top players as those key returners will likely be the difference in how long it takes the Gators to transition from Will Muschamp to Jim McElwain.

Here are the Gators’ best returning players for next season. Hint: You may notice a defensive theme with this list.

5. Jalen Tabor, DB

2014 stats: 28 total tackles, 1 INT, 4.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and 7 pass breakups

The skinny: Tabor was a five-star recruit and he lived up to expectations in 2014. He worked his way into the starting rotation more than halfway through the season and came on very strong in the team’s final games. Opposite Vernon Hargreaves, Tabor contributed to one of the SEC’s best pass defenses and made some highlight plays himself, including a highlight-reel one-handed INT vs. Vanderbilt. He’s a very physical corner and an outstanding open-field tackler. With both he and Hargreaves coming back in 2015, Tabor should be a vital part in one of the country’s best cornerback groups.

4. Demarcus Robinson, WR

2014 stats: 47 receptions, 774 yards and 7 TD

The skinny: During Will Muschamp’s time at Florida, the offense was consistently underdeveloped. However, the Gators’ standout offensive weapon in 2014 was sophomore wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and he showed great promise for the future. He’s lanky, but very athletic in the air. He’s able to make some very tough catches and is deceptively fast after the catch. Robinson should be lined up for an even bigger junior season in 2015 if the production McElwain has gotten out of his past wideouts is of any indication. He’ll be the Gators’ biggest playmaker next year.

3. Jonathan Bullard, DL

2014 stats: 46 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and 11 QB hurries

The skinny: As of now, defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard has not declared for the NFL draft, but the junior may do so later during the bowl season. If he doesn’t declare, he’ll definitely be one of Florida’s top returning players. With Dante Fowler gone, Bullard would be in position to anchor the Gators’ defensive line. He’s a very versatile player as someone who can line up on the interior or on the edge of the defensive line and Bullard excels at creating havoc in the backfield. He may not have the speed of a Fowler, but Bullard is more than capable of becoming one of the premier SEC defensive linemen in 2015.

2. Antonio Morrison, LB

2014 stats: 98 total tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 1 INT

The skinny: Like Bullard, Antonio Morrison is a candidate to declare early for the draft, but if he returns he’ll bring real value to the Gators’ defense in 2015. He was Florida’s leading tackler in 2014 after rebounding from a down sophomore season. Morrison evolved into a defensive leader as a junior and bringing him back into the mix would be a huge boost of confidence to what will be a rather inexperienced group of linebacker in 2015.

1. Vernon Hargreaves III, DB

2014 stats: 45 total tackles, 2 INT, 13 pass breakups, 2.0 tackles for loss

The skinny: What is there to say about Vernon Hargreaves? He’s arguably the best corner in the country and easily Florida’s most talented player. The best news for the Gators is that Hargreaves has to come back since he’s only a sophomore. With the future of Bullard or Morrison up in the air, Hargreaves’ responsibility to lead the Gators’ defense is even greater. This two-time All-American will be looked upon to make plays once again and lead one of the SEC’s top secondaries in 2015. Plus, with all of the questions on offense, the Gators will need the defense to continue its high level of play in order to have a chance in the SEC next season.