Florida Football: Projected post-spring 2019 depth chart

Defensive Backs

Starting star/nickel back: Trey Dean
Backups: John Huggins

Trey Dean certainly endured some growing pains as a freshman. Having been shoved into early playing time due to an injury to Marco Wilson, Dean – a rising sophomore – had to learn on the go and ultimately proved he’s capable of holding his own against SEC receivers. With the return of Wilson, Dean will make the move to the star position left vacant by Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.

Serving as Dean’s primary backup is John Huggins. You may remember Huggins best for his pick-six during the 2019 Orange and Blue game. The coaches love Huggins ability and instincts, so expect to see him roaming the field often on Saturdays.

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

Is there any doubt that the cornerback position could be the deepest, most talented unit in the country? C.J. Henderson has lived up to the high praise heaped upon him and Marco Wilson – should he return to form following a long road back from injury – commands plenty of respect from opposing quarterbacks. Throw in the addition of the highly rated Chris Steel and Kaiir Elam and the Gators have an embarrassment of riches in the secondary.

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

Following an offensive-heavy spring game, concerns were raised with the play of the safety position. But remember, those same concerns were being shouted in the first few games of the 2018 season before the play solidified as the season progressed. Many think that the duo of Brad Stewart and Jeawon Taylor is the best combination for the Gators, but this battle will continue into the summer and fall before we have total clarity.