Florida football’s secondary faces some of the biggest questions and competition on the defensive side of the ball.
The group is filled with players who have been up-and-comers, but have yet to show consistency. There are also lingering questions about how the unit will adapt to new defensive coordinator Brad White’s 3-4 scheme.
As UF begins fall camp this week, the Gators have a proven veteran with Bryce Thornton, who registered 56 tackles, two fumble recoveries, an interception and a forced fumble last year.
Florida also added veteran DJ Coleman, who transferred from Baylor. Coleman, who recorded an interception during the spring game, made 46 tackles, 6.5 TFLs and came down with two picks for the Bears last season.
Will Cormani McClain take the next step?
With Devin Moore getting drafted, Florida is in search of a consistent lockdown corner.
McClain, a former five-star, has been more of a project in the last few years. In 10 games and six starts last season, he recorded 18 tackles and an interception.
Florida’s other viable options are Ben Hanks III and J’Vari Flowers.
Hanks appeared in three games, but recorded eight tackles, two pass breakups and an interception in the season finale win against Florida State. Flowers saw action in 12 games and recorded 17 tackles and four pass breakups.
Will Dijon Johnson be healthy?
Johnson looked like he was set to have a breakout season last year, but a knee injury ended his season. He only recorded eight tackles and one interception, but according to PFF, he turned in two of his best-rated games against LSU and Miami.
Johnson injured his meniscus in his right knee against the Hurricanes, which forced him to miss the last eight games of the year and limit his action during spring ball.
However, Johnson reportedly had a minor second surgery in late July on the same knee. Even so, Florida football coach Jon Sumrall noted that he was recorded running over 20-plus miles per hour leaving an encouraging sign as he works through camp.
Reach Florida Gators writer Andrew Abadie at AAbadie@usatodayco.com or on X (formerly Twitter) at @AndrewAbadie. You can also find him on Facebook at Andrew Abadie Sports Reporter or on Instagram @andrewabadie_sports.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida football’s secondary battles for consistency as fall camp opens
Reporting by Andrew Abadie, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
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By Andrew Abadie, Gainesville Sun | USA TODAY Network
