So, now we have the Safeties set, and we have far more experienced depth than last year. It's like we have a totally new defensive back end in just one year. So... this is why I feel good about our defense and team in general this year versus last year. We are not the same team at all... we are much better and deeper than all the haters out there even know. That is just ONE reason why we will be a far better team, especially on defense, than we were just one year ago. It's hard for the haters to grasp just how different our team will be. I have been reading everything I can to see what these improvements look like, not just on paper, but with comments and remarks from players on the team, and I am convinced that this team will be a nice surprise from what many prognosticators expect from the Gators' football team for the 2024 football season... Florida’s safety corps looks a bit different than it did a year ago, but returning sophomore Jordan Castell stands out as he approaches his second season in the Swamp. Castell is the projected starting free safety heading into 2024 after starting 11 of 12 games a season ago. Washington transfer Asa Turner will play alongside him in strong safety while teaching him to be a position-room leader. It’s not just Castell who is benefitting from the new guys in town. In addition to Turner, there’s Tulane transfer DJ Douglas, who is expected to play a strong role in the rotation (possibly at STAR), and Oregon transfer Trikweze Bridges in the mix.
I'm loving the depth and experience we've added to the safety position! Castell is gonna be a beast, and having Turner's leadership alongside him will be huge. And let's not forget about Douglas and Bridges, they're gonna bring some serious competition and talent to the rotation. I'm with you, I think we're gonna surprise a lot of people this season!
I agree, our Safety position got massively improved over the off season with several talented additions from the transfer portal. And that means we have a good/experienced and talented overall secondary, which is a must in the league. Now... if we can get the front end and the LBs on the same page, we'll be cooking with fire on defense. I see a much improved defense this year... with better coaches, and experienced players on the field too.
I'm a big believer that the spine of your defense is what sets you apart DT/MLB/S. We are looking improved there except for Lyons getting hurt.
It's always the lines that make the difference in SEC football... on both the offense and defense. We have to pressure the QB.
