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Remember those heady days at The Swamp, when Steve Spurrier’s Florida teams pitched the ball all over the place while putting up video-game numbers?
Not so much? Well, you’re probably not alone.
The days of ridiculous offensive outbursts so prevalent with Spurrier are a distant memory for most young Gators fans, but proven talent still abounds in Gainesville.
Here’s a look at Florida’s best 10 players as preseason begins.
- CB Vernon Hargreaves III: An All-American and natural cover corner possibly playing his last year in Gainesville, Hargreaves boasts superior cover skills, body control and football instincts. The junior is considered by many to be a Top 10 pick in the upcoming NFL draft should he leave school early. His father, Vernon Hargreaves Jr., is the linebackers coach at Arkansas.
- WR Demarcus Robinson: The junior finished fifth in the SEC in receiving a year ago after totaling 810 yards and seven touchdowns. Thirty-four of his 53 catches in 2014 resulted in either a first down or a touchdown, including 12 that were drive-sustaining third-down conversions.
- DE Jonathan Bullard: The senior and former five-star recruit is a versatile talent capable of lining inside at defensive tackle and outside at end. Florida’s best pass rusher considered jumping to the NFL last year, but returned to school.
- LB Antonio Morrison: Earned second-team All-SEC honors at middle linebacker after registering a team-high 101 tackles a year ago. Still limited physically after suffering a knee injury in the Birmingham Bowl, the senior may not be ready for the season opener.
- DB Brian Poole: Made 10 starts at the cornerback and nickelback positions a year ago, totaling 45 tackles and a team-high four interceptions. Ranked fifth in the SEC in passes defended per game at 1.17. The senior and former five-star recruit recorded 12 stops on third down that prevented an opponent from gaining a first down.
- DE Alex McCalister: Had a breakout sophomore year in 2014, ranking second on the team in both tackles for loss (9) and sacks (6) to help fuel an effective Gators pass rush.
- TE Jake McGee: The former Virginia standout was expected to play a big role in the passing game last year, but suffered a broken leg nine snaps into the season. Not the best blocker, McGee has excellent hands, a long, athletic frame and runs precise routes. He will play in the NFL next year.
- RB Kelvin Taylor: The son of former Florida icon Fred Taylor is back after rushing for 565 yards last year, including a 197-yard, two touchdown effort in the upset of Georgia. Started just two games as a sophomore last year, but will shoulder the load this fall.
- WR Brandon Powell: A playmaker who will line up in the slot on a full-time basis after alternating between receiver and running back as a freshman. He boasts an explosive first step and is considered a big-play threat every time he gets the ball in his hands. Powell also could be a factor in the return game.
- LG Trip Thurman: Played in all 12 games in 2014, starting 10 at left guard. He missed spring practice with a shoulder injury, but he’s being counted on to anchor an inexperienced Gators offensive line.
John Hollis is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Georgia and Florida.