Florida Football: Way-too-early 2-deep depth chart projection for 2019

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GAINESVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 03: Barrett Banister #30 of the Missouri Tigers rushes for yardage against David Reese II #33 of the Florida Gators during the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

Florida loses Vosean Joseph to the NFL, but retains every other major contributor from their 2018 linebacker core. Though the majority of the linebackers are young – with the notable exception of David Reese – most received valuable experience last season, which sets the group up for what could be a breakout season in 2019.

Starting middle linebacker: David Reese
Backups: Ventrell Miller, Rayshad Jackson, Tyron Hopper

Few players are as valuable in the Gators’ locker room as David Reese. And few players are as valuable to the defense on game day. Florida’s second leading tackler from the 2018 season enters the new campaign as the undisputed senior leader of the Gator defense.

Behind Reese sit several potential stars. Ventrell Miller flashed as a possible playmaker during his freshman season – recording one sack against Charleston Southern and returning an interception for a touchdown against Idaho. In addition to increasing depth, Tyron Hopper also brings ridiculous potential. Perhaps the most athletic prospect from the Gators’ 2019 recruiting class, Hopper will immediately raise the floor for the linebacker unit.

Starting weak-side linebacker: James Houston
Backups: David Reese, Amari Burney, Kylan Johnson

Depending on what Todd Grantham decides to do with Amari Burney this spring, James Houston is the likely favorite to start at the weak-side linebacker position. The staff likes the talent, utility and flexibility Burney brings to the field. With Burney’s ability to play linebacker, nickel or safety, Grantham will have plenty of decisions to make before the start of the season.

With that in mind, Houston has the talent to receive the majority of snaps and saw plenty of action in 2018. David Reese – the redshirt freshman, not the senior middle linebacker – has the physical tools to push for more playing time if his progression jumps before the start of the 2019 season.

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