Struggling for much of the past season, Gator fans are anxious to see how the defense looks this Spring. Being one of the younger defenses, many young players now have plenty of experience. This Spring Window allows both the younger players and the incoming transfers to mesh together and learn the playbook. With 14 days of practice to learn, fans will be eager to watch the Gators Spring game, known as the Orange and Blue game. Although not as competitive as a normal game, players are still going to be playing at full speed. There were many areas of weakness along the defense, with many fans hoping it was simply due to inexperience. With a full Spring practice window under their belts, the defense, led by defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, will be expected to improve greatly.
Gators Spring Practice: Defense Must Step Up
Defensive Line
One name on the defensive line that truly stood out was junior Justus Boone. Many fans may have forgotten his tenacity on the defensive line due to his injury. Boone was forced to miss the entirety of the season due to a torn ACL. An absolute havoc off the edge the year before, Boone should help bring extra physicality to this defensive line. Fans certainly remember his crushing hit on former Kentucky Quarterback Will Levis. Expected to compete in a non-contact jersey, Boone still has the opportunity to practice and get himself back to full health. Competing for a starting job in the Fall, Boone needs to take full advantage of the minimal reps that he will get during the Gators’ Spring Practices. Little things such as learning the playbook and getting the technique down could be the difference maker for him come the Fall.
Another name that fans should keep an eye on is Tyreak Sapp. The rising junior had two sacks to go along with two forced fumbles. Now one of the older players along the defensive line, much will be asked of him. With many fans expecting him to start off the edge, Sapp has a lot to prove this Spring Window. With the Gators having a good history of producing defensive line talent, Sapp could find himself up next. Returning loads of production along the defensive line, Sapp has the chance during this Gators Spring Window to separate himself from the pack. An absolute load at 6 foot 3 and 275 pounds, Sapp should be able to unload his will on opposing offensive linemen. Part of the Gators football program for multiple years now, Sapp has the experience he needs.
Teeming with talent both on the interior and edge, this defensive line group has many players who could start day one. The pressure falls on the shoulders of Sapp, as it is his starting job to lose.
Linebackers
One of the youngest position groups on this Gators team, this linebacker group needs a leader to step up. The oldest player in this linebacker core, Mannie Nunnery should look to elevate his game this spring. This redshirt senior has all the experience necessary to lead these young playmakers. Having played this past season after transferring from Houston, fans would more than likely say he had mixed results. Only accounting for 11 tackles and half a sack, there is certainly room for improvement. These Gator Spring Practices are pivotal if he hopes to break through and become a difference-maker on this defense. With Shemar James getting healthy and plenty of talented freshmen incoming, this group will be a competitive one. This Spring allows all these players the chance to showcase their skills and come into the Fall with a starting job.
Secondary
Arguably the weakest point of the defense this past season, the secondary is due for some big changes. Losing safety Miguel Mitchell and cornerback Jalen Kimber to the transfer portal allows for other young players or even incoming transfers to step up. One name to keep a heavy eye on is returning starter Jordan Castell. Starting at free safety as a true freshman, Castell earned a spot as an ESPN Freshman All-American. One of the few bright spots in the secondary, Castell comes into this season with massive expectations. With his running mate Mitchell transferring to Arkansas, the pressure is on Castell. While the cornerback room returns plenty of production, the safety room lacks.
This Spring allows Castell to become a leader and help bring this new safety group up to speed. With much to gain, Castell needs to attack these Gator Spring Practices and finish up strong in the Orange and Blue Game.
Other Possible Standouts
From the defensive perspective, the Gators have brought in plenty of talent through the transfer portal. From defensive lineman Joey Slackman to safety Asa Turner, plenty of transfers should compete for starting jobs. Both upperclassmen, these two players are expected by many to be instant impact playmakers. Slackman, the transfer from Penn earned Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year. Already deep along the defensive line, the addition of Slackman makes this position group the strength of the defense. Returning other standouts such as Caleb Banks and Cam Jackson, look for this line to be wreaking havoc. For the secondary, Turner comes in as a veteran who can compete for a starting job and provide support for the younger players. Often thought of as the weak point in seasons past, Turner can help change the narrative. Look for both players to be vocal, as they compete this Spring Window.
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