The defensive corps overall left a lot to be desired in 2023 for the Florida football program but there were certainly a few diamonds in the rough that had their moments.
The Gators will be counting on these talented student-athletes to take their skills to the next level in 2024 as the Orange and Blue seeks to snap a three-season losing streak. One of those players is rising sophomore safety [autotag]Jordan Castell[/autotag], who had a standout freshman campaign last fall.
According to PFF, the defensive back is the ninth-highest-graded returning safety in the SEC this year.
Castell started in 11 of the 12 games he appeared in last season, leading the team with 660 defensive snaps en route to a PFF grade of 75.6 — which ranked fifth among FBS true freshmen at his position. He led the team in total tackles (60) as well as solo tackles (30), while adding 1.5 tackles for a loss, three pass breakups and an interception.
The safety out of Winter Garden (Florida) West Orange earned Freshman All-SEC and All-American honors from ESPN and CFN for his efforts
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