Last year’s Alabama game still stings for what most projected as the SEC’s best secondary heading into the 2014 season.

After clipping Kentucky in triple overtime to start 2-0, Florida rolled into Tuscaloosa for a much-anticipated afternoon tilt against the third-ranked Crimson Tide, an opportunity for Will Muschamp to strengthen declining public perception of his program and regain momentum with a landmark performance.

Instead, the Gators fell flat after Alabama quarterback Blake Sims took several shots down field early and shredded Florida at the back end, executing Lane Kiffin’s near-flawless game plan to the tune of 445 yards and four scores.

It was a black eye for the ill-fated outgoing coach who took it personal as the mastermind behind the Gators’ scheme against the Crimson Tide.

RELATED: Florida’s five spring practice priorities

Florida rebounded over its final nine games and gave up just seven touchdown passes, but the damage was done and the preseason point moot — D.J. Durkin’s secondary wasn’t as good as advertised and Heisman finalist Amari Cooper had his way with Vernon Hargreaves, Brian Poole and whoever else the Gators put on him.

How will this season’s secondary look under new defensive coordinator Geoff Collins?

Not much different, but more experienced.

Ignore the big plays given up last fall by Collins’ defense at Mississippi State. Florida has better athletes and more talent at his disposal with nearly every player returning at the corner and safety spots.

Hargreaves and rising sophomore Jalen Tabor give the Gators the SEC’s best cover-corner combo on the outside thanks to each player’s expertise on an island and athleticism when the ball’s in the air. Most expect Tabor to beat out Quincy Wilson this spring for the full-time starter role, but there isn’t much of a talent drop-off between the two.

Wilson made two starts last fall and Tabor five, each contributing quality snaps for the Gators.

Both of Florida’s starting corners are above-average tacklers which will help at the line of scrimmage in run support for a defense losing its best player in the front seven, Dante Fowler. Jon Bullard’s decision to return for his final season provides a major boost as a reliable pass rusher, an element that strengthens the Gators’ secondary.