After seasons of subpar play, the Gators’ cornerback room turned into a strength. Despite the poor start to the season, the entire defense flipped a switch after their first bye week. With an improved secondary, the trajectory of the season pivoted. Now entering the 2025 season, Florida lost their veteran cornerback, Jason Marshall Jr., to the NFL. However, due to an injury, he missed significant time last year, paving the way for the new and younger players. A talented position group, they showed that they are ready for the bright lights of the SEC. With another challenging schedule, this unit will be tested early and often. Health will be the biggest concern, as many of these new corners have struggled to remain on the field. If this group can meet the high expectations placed upon them, fans could see their playoff dreams come true.
Season Hinges on the Secondary
Gators Strength
Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union
Injury History
Now viewed as the leader of this position group, Devin Moore must stay healthy and available. A talented player, he has been a top contributor when on the field. However, he has struggled over the years with his availability, missing extended periods of time. Now viewed as the number one cornerback, it is imperative that he does not miss more games. In his seven games of action, Moore tallied one interception and 17 tackles. Entering his senior season, the ability of this secondary hinges on its veteran leader. After going down, rather than wallowing, he used this chance to work on his leadership and mentality. Now, finally healthy and ready to hit his stride, Moore is expected to put together a big 2025 season. The strength of this secondary, the Gators’ season, will depend on his ability to play a full season.
Sustainable Momentum?
After an impressive sophomore campaign, cornerback Dijon Johnson will now be leaned on. Starting five games, he recorded 25 tackles and two pass breakups. A physical defensive back, he showed that he is not scared to help in the run game. A big part of last season’s success, Johnson elevated his play as the year progressed. By the end of the year, he showed that he was an SEC-caliber cornerback. Despite some offseason legal troubles, it appears that he is ready to suit up for this make-or-break year. Initially a 4-star recruit, he developed in his first two seasons and has progressed nicely. Now is his time to show he can start an entire season of SEC football. This is an important season in Gainesville, and the secondary must not revert to old form.
5-Star Ready?
When Cormani McClain went through his recruitment, he was viewed as one of, if not the best, player in the country. Committing to Colorado, he saw little success in Boulder before transferring to Gainesville. During his first season in the Swamp, he showed flashes of his 5-star talent but was much too inconsistent. In three games, he had five tackles and an interception returned for a touchdown. Taking part in offseason workouts, coaches have been raving about his performance and new physicality. Putting on some weight, early signs are pointing to him having a big impact on this season. Always critiqued for his lanky build, it is evident that he has been hitting the weight room hard. Now a redshirt sophomore, he should be in line for some important minutes. If he keeps up the momentum, it is not crazy to suggest that he could earn a starting role.
STAR Competition
The Florida Gators have two talented young players vying for time at the STAR position. After starting six games, Sharif Denson enters his junior season on a high note. Denson filled the stat sheet, tallying 37 tackles, two sacks, one interception, and five tackles for loss. A physical defensive back, he showed that he has the durability and strength to compete for the Gators. Playing his best football at the end of the year, he showed that he is a valuable member of this defense. Viewed as the favorite to earn the starting job, he is in line for a big role this Fall. As noted, this defense finally broke through, no longer causing fans headaches and frustration. If they want to take the next step, Denson will need to continue his development.
Perhaps the biggest surprise for the Gators was the rise of the now redshirt sophomore Aaron Gates. Starting five games at the STAR position, he was well on his way towards a monumental season. Unfortunately, he suffered from the injury bug, as did many members of this secondary. However, when he was on the field, he was dynamic, as evidenced by his stats. Gates finished with four tackles for loss, one interception, 27 tackles, and three pass breakups. Breaking onto the scene against the Georgia Bulldogs, he made Carson Beck uncomfortable for much of the game. Coming off the injury, he is still taking the time to fully recover. Hoping to be back in some capacity this season, he has already proved himself as one of the better players in this secondary. If he can revert to form, the Gators’ secondary should be the strength of this defense.
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