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

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Defensive Backs

No doubt, Florida’s defensive backs want to put to rest the debate of which program truly deserves the title of DBU – defensive back university. The Gators have a strong case entering the 2019 season with the return of the lauded C.J. Henderson and the reappearance of Marco Wilson from injury. Throw into the mix two of the top defensive back recruits in 2019 and the battle-tested rising-sophomore Trey Dean, and the Gators will have a stacked secondary for years to come.

Starting star/nickel back: Trey Dean
Backups: Amari Burney, C.J McWilliams

Though he may have endured some growing pains, Trey Dean proved his mettle as an SEC-caliber player by continually improving as the 2018 season advanced. Dean earned the praise of the coaching staff which will likely translate into the starting position at nickel back. The move to nickel is predicated on how quickly Marco Wilson regains his form, however, and Dean could start the season at cornerback if Wilson can’t get back up to speed in time.

Todd Grantham’s looming decision of where to slot Burney will also affect who plays nickel. Don’t be surprised to see Burney line up all over the field – including at nickel back – until the coaching staff finds their ideal rotations a few weeks into the season.

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Starting cornerbacks: C.J Henderson, Marco Wilson
Backups: Trey Dean, Chris Steele, Kaiir Elam

There’s no question that cornerback will be the deepest position on the Gators’ roster in 2019. C.J. Henderson is universally recognized as one of the top cornerbacks in college football and returns for his junior season with high expectations. Lining up on the opposite boundary, Marco Wilson was in the process of cementing his elite status before an ACL injury sidelined him for the majority of the 2018 season. If Wilson returns to his previous form, the Gators will boast two lockdown corners.

The wildcards in this discussion are the new arrivals to this unit – Chris Steele and Kaiir Elam. The coveted prospects have the potential and smarts to push for playing time right away. At the very least, the coaches will begin preparing both Steele and Elam to start in 2020 due to the possible early-departures of Henderson and Wilson following the 2019 season.

Starting safeties: Brad Stewart, Jeawon Taylor
Backups: Shawn Davis, John Huggins, Donovan Stiner

Brad Stewart produced perhaps the most exhilarating Gator moment in 2018 when he intercepted one of Joe Burrow’s fourth quarter passes to seal Florida’s victory over LSU in October. Overall, however, the safety positions had a rough opening to the 2018 season before finding consistency by season’s end.

Stewart and Jeawon Taylor may be slight favorites to start heading into spring, but both safety positions are up for grabs. Shawn Davis provided production in big moments last season, as did Donovan Stiner. John Huggins adds intrigue to this position battle and could make a strong push come spring. Really, the coaching staff is waiting for someone to rise above the others, and until that happens, nothing is etched in stone.

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