The Gators staged their annual Orange and Blue Debut to a backdrop of offensive questions.

The defense, on the other hand, is assumed to be good. From Urban Meyer to Will Muschamp to Jim McElwain, one constant for Florida has been a dominating defense.

The 2016 UF defense returns multiple key starters, including LB Jarrad Davis, who decided to hold off on the NFL after a stellar junior season (98 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks).

If it weren’t for Davis, the Gators defense would be in trouble this fall. As is, Davis and Alex Anzalone, a former four-star prospect and a starter last season, will be the first-string linebackers for Florida in 2016.

Unfortunately, injuries have been particularly troublesome for Anzalone. It was a shoulder injury last September that sidelined him for the remainder of the season and allowed Davis to take over the starting spot opposite Antonio Morrison.

If Anzalone, who took part in spring practice as a non-contact participant, and Davis can both stay healthy, they could anchor what is expected to be another excellent defense. If either one gets hurt, the Gators lack a proven backup.

Injuries forced Kylan Johnson, who was one of the standouts of the spring game, into redshirting his freshman season. Redshirt junior Matt Rolin has dealt with ACL problems throughout his Florida career, but did see action late in the 2015 season. The Gators likely prefer to not have to play a true freshman like David Reese, but he at least has the benefit of taking part in spring practice.

More help is on the way in the fall with four-star signee Jeremiah Moon and three-star prospect Vosean Joseph, but they should only contribute in the case of multiple injuries.

Florida’s question marks at the linebacker position are mitigated by defensive coordinator Geoff Collins’ heavy use of nickel and dime coverages (five and six defensive backs). It’s also evident that if Collins thinks a safety is the best option at linebacker, he’s not afraid to play that safety outside of his natural position.

When Florida was in a real pinch at linebacker last season, Collins would have Marcus Maye move up and play in the middle of the field. In spring practice, there were humorous reports of Collins explaining to reporters how he has to “trick” S Marcell Harris into playing linebacker, but Harris is adamant with the media that he is a defensive back.

If all goes well, Florida’s safeties will be used as safeties this fall, and the greener linebackers will have the opportunity to continue to mature as backups. The Gators can thank Davis for that.