Florida’s offense remains a work in progress with depth issues up front and an intriguing quarterback competition between Treon Harris and Will Grier, but the Gators’ defense should be its calling card this fall, a unit returning most of its production from a season ago.
Here’s a few of the top players on that side of the football who stood out during Jim McElwain’s first spring practice:
Editor’s note: Several of Florida’s key standouts are excluded from this list after missing spring practice including Bryan Cox Jr. (DL), Antonio Morrison (LB) and Jarrad Davis (LB).
5. Daniel McMillan, LB: Building off his five-tackle performance in the Gators’ bowl win over East Carolina, McMillan showed confidence this spring as a player wanting to be known for his prowess as a linebacker instead of a special teams contributor. Mainly a coverage specialist his first two seasons, McMillan’s on par with Anzalone from a development standpoint and seems to be a natural fit in first-year defensive coordinator Geoff Collins’ scheme. He’ll provide instant depth in September if Morrison’s not set to return from a knee injury in August.
4. Taven Bryan, DL: After making the move inside from end to tackle, Bryan flexed his strengths as a natural run-stopper off the snap throughout the spring and was a terror to block for Florida’s thin offensive line. Perhaps the most improved player on defense and stronger than most at nearly 6-foot-6, 280 pounds, the redshirt freshman has certainly earned a spot in the defensive rotation this fall.
3. Alex Anzalone, LB: The quarterback of the defense this spring in Antonio Morrison and Jarrad Davis’ absence, Anzalone took advantage of the increased reps — mostly with the first team — as a noteworthy tackler and competitive in coverage. A third-year player, the Gators will lean on Anzalone’s experience in the middle this season.
2. Jonathan Bullard, DE: Florida’s most consistent pass rusher last season behind Dante Fowler was in the backfield more often than not this spring, showing off a veteran’s edge to newcomers at the position. Bullard will be the Gators’ most athletic player off the edge as a senior and has a chance to strengthen his draft stock with a banner year. Spring practice was the launching pad toward what could be a fantastic final campaign if he avoids injury.
1. Vernon Hargreaves, CB: It’s obvious the star of the Gators’ defense will be the SEC’s top corner this season, gunning for his third consecutive first team all-league honor before likely departing early as a first-round selection in next year’s NFL draft. Hargreaves seemed to take fellow starting corner J.C. Jackson under his wing on the field this spring, but the redshirt freshman’s future at Florida is cloudy as he faces an armed robbery charge.
