Three Takeaways: Promising talents on Gators defense for 2017

1. Young contributors for a shorthanded defense stepped up to the plate Monday and gave Florida fans more optimism about 2017.

It’s no secret that the Gators are expected to lose a number of starters on the defensive side of the ball in 2017. Not only are linebacker Jarrad Davis, safety Marcus Maye, defensive end Bryan Cox Jr. and defensive tackle Joey Ivie graduating, but cornerbacks Jalen “Teez” Tabor and Quincy Wilson as well as defensive tackle Caleb Brantley are expected to enter the draft. Linebacker Alex Anzalone and defensive back Duke Dawson are also mulling their draft decisions currently.

Florida could end up being without 7-9 defensive starters from 2016 heading into next season.

However, there’s plenty to be excited about with this current group – especially considering how it played Monday with a number of contributors sidelined with injuries like Davis (ankle), Anzalone (arm), Jordan Sherit (knee), David Reese (wrist), Nick Washington (ankle) and Maye

During the second half of the year, safety Marcell Harris has soared and looks like a player who could have a monster redshirt senior season in 2017 if all of the right factors fall into place. Harris once again was a standout on defense Monday, making a key stop on 4th and 1 to propel a goal-line stand against the Hawkeyes. In an Outback Bowl MVP performance, freshman safety Chauncey Gardner continued to show why he should play a big role and make a significant impact in the secondary.

With Washington also returning for his final season, Florida should be strong in the secondary. It’s at cornerback where things are a bit iffy, but Dawson returning for 2017 would be a huge boost.