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SEC Football: Most important newcomers for each team in 2021

By Dante Pryor

A welcome message for the new University of Tennessee football coach, Josh Heupel on a billboard on Alcoa Highway in Knoxville, Tenn., on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021.Coach Josh Heupel 2021 125333
A welcome message for the new University of Tennessee football coach, Josh Heupel on a billboard on Alcoa Highway in Knoxville, Tenn., on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021.Coach Josh Heupel 2021 125333 /
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Dec 19, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen signals from the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen signals from the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Florida Gators

The Gators are in a transition year under Dan Mullen this season. The Gators lose six starters offensively, including Kyle Trask, Kyle Pitts, and Kadarius Toney. Defensively, the Gators also lose six players, including Marco Wilson and Tedarrell Slaton. These losses from a team that made it to the SEC Championship game last season.

In addition to needing an infusion of talent depth next season, the Gators need to find a running game. Florida could not run the football at all last season, finishing 96th in rushing last season. The Gators also had issues defensively and gave up 30 points seven times last season, finishing 83rd in total defense.

Here are three players that could help the Gators in all three areas.

  • Demarcus Bowman, RB: Bowman gives the Gators a top recruit who can flat fly. Bowman’s status for this season is pending a waiver from the NCAA. If Bowman can play, the Gators could have a potent 1-2 punch next season with Bowman and Miami transfer Lorenzo Lingard. Though Bowman played sparingly for the Tigers last season, he is an explosive runner with elite top-end speed. Bowman is not a dancer; he hits the hole looking to initiate contact and accelerate to the second level.
  • Jason Marshall, CB: If receivers are a premium for successful programs, then defensive backs are critical to neutralizing teams with elite receivers. Florida hauled in quite the class of defensive backs led by cornerback Jason Marshall. The Miami Palmetto high school product spent his high school career defending Power Five level receivers at the highest level of high school football in Florida. Marshall is ready to plug-and-play from day one with ideal size and physicality at the corner.
  • Desmond Watson, DT: At over 350 pounds, Watson has the ideal size to play from day one. Watson can handle blockers to keep linebackers clean to make plays in Florida’s hybrid 3-4 base defense. Watson will have to lean out to be an every-down lineman. The Florida native uses his hands well to shed blocks at getting in the backfield as well. Though Watson is a great anchor against the run, he is athletic enough to rush the passer at times as well.
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