4. College Football News Preview 2020: Florida Gators Defense 3 Things To Know
– Imagine how good defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s group would’ve been if everyone stayed in one piece. The Gators still finished ninth in the nation overall and seventh in scoring helped by a fearsome pass rush. By the way, the D didn’t give up a 300-yard passing day – not to Joe Burrow or Jake Fromm – until the Orange Bowl win over Virginia.
Star CB CJ Henderson was selected with the ninth overall pick by Jacksonville, but there’s still a whole lot to like in what should be one of the nation’s best secondaries.
It starts with the return of Marco Wilson – who can work just about anywhere – to likely be the team’s top corner. The safeties are going to be terrific around Shawn Davis, an NFL-sized senior who’ll once again be one of the team’s top tacklers.
– Of course it hurts to lose next-level pass rushing talents like Jonathan Greenard and Jabari Zuniga, but the team got through last year with the two banged up way too often.
The Gators need former Georgia transfer Brenton Cox to be a hybrid pass rushing factor on the outside, and for junior Zachary Carter – who tied for second on the team in sacks and tackles for loss – to become even more productive. Kyree Campbell and Marlon Dunlap are strong presences on the inside to work around.
– Gone is leading tackler David Reese – he led the way with 94 tackles – but junior Ventrell Miller returns after finishing second on the team with 55 stops. He’s not huge for the inside, but he can move. 233-pound junior James Houston is a bit more of a thumper.