Florida Football: 3 keys for successful 2020 season

1. Find new leaders on the defensive side of the ball

It is not uncommon for the Gators to have a top-10 defense overall in scoring. Last season, the Gators were ranked seventh in points allowed per game (15.5), eighth in rushing yards allowed per game (102.8), and ninth in total yards allowed per game (304.8).

Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has his work cut out for him this season entering his third season with Florida. The Gators only return five starters from last year’s defense including some leaders in each major position group. Defensive end Jonathan Greenard accounted for 16 tackles for loss and 10 sacks last season as a redshirt sophomore and declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. Their leading tackler in linebacker David Reese (92 total tackles) is gone. Finally, their No. 1 coverage cornerback in C.J. Henderson declared early for the NFL draft.

The Gators are expected to have some great depth at the defensive line with senior end Jeremiah Moon, senior nose tackle Kyree Campbell, and former Georgia defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. This is a talented defensive line that could replicate last year’s results of 89 tackles for loss and 49 sacks.

The Gators return their second-leading tackler in junior linebacker Ventrell Miller, who accounted for 55 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. Their other linebacker in James Houston IV is projected to start after playing as reverse last season. Houston accounted for 37 total tackles, five tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

Last season, the Gators were ranked 32nd in passing yards allowed per game (202.1) as they struggled with inexperience throughout the defensive backs. Junior cornerback Marco Wilson is one of two returning starters in the five defensive back scheme defense. Wilson is expected to carry on a continuous line of efficient pro-ready coverage corners for Florida.

Their other main coverage corner in Kaiir Elam is projected to start after a solid true freshman season as a reserve.