Florida has lost one defensive back, but gained a potential new one.

Gators head coach Dan Mullen shared two news items related to the secondary in his Wednesday press conference. Redshirt sophomore DB Quincy Lenton is out for the 2018 season after tearing his achilles. Lenton played in four games on special teams last season.

The news was revealed after Mullen had previously announced that freshman Iverson Clement was taking reps at safety. He added that, at this time, Clement is “still a running back.” Mullen should obviously be taken at his word, but a move to safety for Clement could make sense for 2018 and beyond. Clement, currently listed at 5-11, 202 pounds, was a 4-star ATH in the 2018 class on recruiting websites, a designation generally given to multi-position players and/or prospects expected to play a different position in college.

Florida would remain deep at running back even if Clement changes positions. The majority of touches at the position are expected to go to redshirt junior Jordan Scarlett and true sophomore Malik Davis. That still leaves junior Lamical Perine, sophomore Adarius Lemons and freshman Dameon Pierce, the 247Sports Composite’s No. 8 running back in the 2018, all available for touches out of the backfield. Considering all could be back for 2019 (though Scarlett will be a candidate to jump to the NFL), switching to safety could be a wise move for Clement in the long-term.