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 Orlando Sentinel (blog) | Five position battles to watch entering Florida Gators camp Orlando Sentinel (blog) After all, Florida doesnt just replace starters — the Gators must replace All-Americans at numerous spots, as I wrote today. CORNERBACK: Replacing Joe ... Camp Preview: Preseason Superlatives |
Well, you can’t really watch these position battles, but you can keep track of the progress through what coaches and players say about them.
As camp kicks off tomorrow, here are five battles I’m most eager to follow. After all, Florida doesnt just replace starters — the Gators must replace All-Americans at numerous spots, as I wrote today.
Let’s get right to it.
Who will replace the mighty Joe Haden?
CORNERBACK: Replacing Joe Haden could be the most important job for the Gators this fall. At least Florida knows what to expect with most other positions, save wide receiver. But there’s so much unknown about the cornerback spot alongside starter Janoris Jenkins. Jeremy Brown had a nice spring, but back injuries have held him back for two years. What makes this year different? Jaylen Watkins and Josh Shaw are talented freshman, but are they ready? Moses Jenkins is an experienced senior, but does he have the natural ability to contend?
Don’t be surprised if new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin needs the entire month to make a decision on the starter here.
WIDE RECEIVER: I’m guessing that, largely because of experience, Deonte Thompson and Carl Moore will enter camp as starting wide receivers. That leaves one spot left in the spread offense, probably as an inside receiver. The three best candidates for this last spot are Chris Rainey, Andre Debose and Omarius Hines. The rest will serve as backups, for now at least.
I’m thinking Rainey will get the nod because he’s a veteran with plenty of playmaking ability who seems to finally be taking ownership of his career. Teammates say he knows the playbook for once. He’s matured. But Debose and Hines will have plenty of chances to dethrone him.
OFFENSIVE GUARD: Xavier Nixon, Carl Johnson, Mike Pouncey and Marcus Gilbert are entrenched as starters at left tackle, guard, center and right tackle, respectively. If Johnson lines up at left guard, then Jeff Demps will have plenty of holes running left. Nixon, Johnson and Pouncey will be a vicious combination. That leaves one guard spot up for grabs, and the clubhouse leader is likely James Wilson. Maurice Hurt, Sam Robey and Nick Alajajian will also compete. Wilson was a part-time starter last year who has had an inconsistent career, but this is his time.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE: This is one of Florida’s deepest positions, a great mix of young talent and veterans. Jaye Howard, Lawrence Marsh, Terron Sanders and Omar Hunter all return with starting experience, but freshmen Sharrif Floyd and Dominique Easley are lurking. These players are such physical specimens, they might just skip the transitional time usually necessary for linemen. My clubhouse leaders are Howard and Hunter to start, but expect plenty of movement and competition here.
LINEBACKER: Jelani Jenkins and Jon Bostic are close friends, but their friendship could be tested in the next month. One will start, one won’t. A.J. Jones and Brandon Hicks have claims on two starting LB spots, while Bostic and Jenkins each offer a different specialty — Jenkins has speed, Bostic has strength. But both players shouldn’t be limited to those strengths, as each is versatile. This is a battle I’m eager to see play out. Both are terrific players with bright futures.
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