Freshmen Report: Predicting who plays on defense

This time next week, the Florida football team will be in Texas getting ready to play Michigan. For some of the freshmen, that means they’re only days away from their debut. Some signees, however, will have to wait a year before playing in their first game.

Even at this stage in the fall, it’s not always easy to forecast which freshmen will play this season. While talent plays a factor, returning depth at the position, an unexpected injury - or suspension - and a freshman’s preparedness also have to be considered. With that in mind, Inside the Gators predicts which freshmen will suit up for Florida this season.

Today, it's time to break down the group on defense.

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* Robinson, Miller, cited for possession

* Freshmen Report: Predicting who plays on offense

* Wednesday Insider Practice Notes

* Wednesday Notebook: Still no starting quarterback

* Finally focused, Swain ready to make an impact

* Tuesday Insider Practice Notes

* 10 things we've learned from fall camp

* Handicapping Florida's quarterback battle

* On the Mark: Five thoughts on the seven suspensions

* GET TWO MONTHS OF FREE ACCESS

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The rundown on Campbell: The highly rated defensive tackle was an early enrollee and benefitted greatly from the extra time on campus. Campbell will get lots of playing time as he figures to be in the defensive line rotation, most likely as the backup to Khairi Clark. Earlier this month, coach Jim McElwain noted that after Clark missed practice, he returned with the second-team and the coaches kept Campbell with the first-team. Clark will likely be the starter, but Campbell will definitely play.

The rundown on Conliffe: McElwain recently said Conliffe and fellow freshman defensive tackle Tedarrell Slaton “are going to be ready as the season wears on.” It might not be against Michigan, but expect to see Conliffe this season.