Florida’s young secondary is being asked to learn on the job. In the season-opening loss to Michigan, the Gators’ featured three true freshmen defensive backs in the secondary rotation. Even more freshmen could be called upon to step up as sophomore safety Chauncey Gardner Jr. deals with a foot injury.
Defensive backs coach Corey Bell spoke to the media on Wednesday to discuss the play of the freshmen and how handles development and depth.
EVALUATION OF FRESHMAN DBS
The backstory: Florida had up to three true freshmen defensive backs on the field at one time against Michigan. As one might expect, the trio of newcomers had their ups and downs in the loss to the Wolverines.
What Bell said: “We did some good things and there were some things definitely that we have to clean up. We can be a lot better. We’ve got to play a lot more cleaner than we did this past Saturday. But they went out there and didn’t allow the situation, the atmosphere to overwhelm them. So I was happy about that. But they understand the expectations, what they need to do to play better.”
HANDLING DAVIS’ MISCUE
The backstory: The most glaring rookie mistake from Saturday was when safety Shawn Davis got caught focusing on the Michigan backfield and allowed Wolverines wide receiver Tarik Black to go uncovered for an easy 46-yard touchdown reception.
What Bell said: “The one thing I tell them, bad eyes tell lies. So if our eyes are not in the right place, then it’s telling a lie. So it’s just about putting our eyes in the right place. When we do that, now we’re playing solid football. So those are things you just try and encourage him to do, and all of them to do moving forward.”
BREAKING THEM DOWN VS. BUILDING THEM UP
The backstory: The freshmen defensive backs have a lot to learn, but Bell wants them to play with confidence and take chances on passing plays. It creates a delicate situation for how he handles calling attention to mistakes.
What Bell said: “Here’s the thing, first of all you tell them just because you’re young that doesn’t mean you can’t be successful. So when they have that understanding, that approach, you know they’ve been playing football for a long time. You know, it’s just about understanding our system and adapting to that. Adapting to my coaching style and all those types of things. But it’s just a matter of going out there, honing in our their skills, believing in their training and going out there and executing.”
WORST-CASE SCENARIO
The backstory: Gardner has missed practice this week with a right foot injury which required an MRI. Redshirt senior safety Nick Washington missed a play during the Michigan game when his shoulder popped out. If both players are injured, it’s a worst-case scenario for the Gators defense.
What Bell said: “That’s why you have all the young guys. Somebody has to go in there. That’s part of the training. The next guy has to be ready. They understand that. You’re always an injury away. Just being focused in and having a hard focus about those things. The next guy just has to be ready no matter who that is.”
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