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Published Jan 24, 2017
2015 Signee Review: How has McElwain’s first class performed on defense?
Landon Watnick  •  1standTenFlorida
Beat Writer

We're a little more than a week from National Signing Day - a day two years ago that saw Florida head coach Jim McElwain wrap up his first recruiting class in Gainesville. That class that saw the Gators land 12 commitments in the final four days of the 2015 cycle - and seven on NSD.

Of those 21 original signees from that 2015 class, eight were on the defensive side of the ball. Those members of the 2015 class on defense combined for 21 starts this past season and four starts in 2015 (all coming from CeCe Jefferson). From those eight, seven have appeared in games in two years with the program.

After reviewing the offense earlier today, Inside the Gators takes a closer look at who from that group on defense has panned out in Gainesville and who hasn't yet.

IMPACT PLAYERS SET TO RETURN IN 2017

2015 stats: Four tackles (three solo) in four appearances (no starts)

2016 stats: 27 tackles (five solo), 3.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries, one forced fumble in 13 appearances (five starts)

The skinny: Once Florida'd depth along the defensive line took a hit due to injuries late in 2015, Davis saw his redshirt burned and played a role in the rotation late during the season in some crucial games. In 2016, Davis saw a considerable amount of action in the rotation, proving to be a solid pass rusher off of the edge. This offseason will be an important one for Davis, who could continue to add more bulk to his frame and get stronger. Regardless, he should still play a key role at defensive end and perhaps push for a starting job.

2015 stats: 29 tackles (18 solo), 8.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one pass breakup, two quarterback hurries in 14 appearances (four starts)

2016 stats: 30 tackles (12 solo), 6.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries in 12 appearances (six starts)

The skinny: As one of two five-star signees in McElwain's first recruiting class, Jefferson made an impact right away for the Gators. After a highly impressive freshman season, he didn't make as considerable of a jump as a sophomore as many had expected, but starting off the season playing inside rather than at his normal spot at defensive end proved to be a difficult transition. Once Jefferson moved back from defensive tackle to end, his play improved and he looked much more comfortable. Jefferson could be in line for a highly productive junior season, given he remains full-time at defensive end.

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