A closer look at the candidates to start at safety for Florida

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* Harris entering NFL Draft

* Signee Russell forced to give up football

* Defensive end Smith to transfer

* Offensive tackle Telfort to transfer

* Getting to Know: Noah Banks

* Jefferson should benefit from new scheme and staff

* Video Breakdown: A closer look at Mullen's offense

* Getting to Know: Chris Bleich

* A closer look at what Florida is getting with Greg Knox

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While many expected the decision, on Thursday Florida safety Marcell Harris officially declared for the NFL Draft via his Twitter page. Harris was getting ready for his fifth-year senior season before tearing his Achilles tendon in his right ankle before the Gators’ first game of the 2016-2017 season.

With Harris’ departure, and the very real possibility that Chauncey Gardner may revert back to his natural position of cornerback after struggling last year, the Gators may be left looking for two new starters at safety.

Let’s take a look at some of Florida’s options at what now should be a wide open battle to see who starts at the two safety positions.

A rising junior, Jeawon Taylor finished 9th in total tackles on Florida’s injury depleted roster last season (19 solo, 11 assisted). Taylor is a hard-hitting safety with good lateral movement who can cover large portions of the field by himself. He’s a solid at stopping the run and doesn’t miss many tackles. While he didn’t play many snaps against UAB and missed the Florida State game with an injury, Taylor recorded 18 combined total tackles in his final two full games of the season vs. Missouri and South Carolina. Taylor is all but locked in to start at one of Florida’s two safety spots.