The Gators’ football roster for 2010 is pretty much set now that National Signing Day is over, which means it is now possible to make accurate depth chart predictions for next season.
Quarterback: John Brantley
He has been waiting for his turn for the last three years. Jordan Reed moved to tight end, so his backup will likely be incoming freshmen Trey Burton or Tyler Murphy.
Running back: Jeff Demps
Although he will keep his starting job, he will continue sharing carries with Emmanuel Moody and Chris Rainey.
Z receiver: Omarius Hines
Carl Moore could push Hines for this spot, but Hines looked good in his limited time last season.
X receiver: Deonte Thompson
Thompson flashed moments of brilliance last year but will need to be more consistent if he is going to hold off T.J. Lawrence and some other younger receivers.
Slot receiver: Andre Debose
This was supposed to be his job last year, but a hamstring injury prevented him from ever stepping on the field.
Tight end: Gerald Christian
Desmond Parks has been in the system for a year but has not shown coaches much. Christian is already on campus, which will help him gain ground quickly.
Left tackle: Xavier Nixon
He started the last five games of his freshman year and should continue that streak next season. Matt Patchan was battling for time at this spot before a torn ACL ended his season, so he could push Nixon for the position.
Left guard: Carl Johnson
Johnson started every game last year and made the move to guard when Nixon assumed the starting job at tackle.
Center: Mike Pouncey
With his brother jumping to the NFL, he will slide over to Maurkice’s old spot.
Right guard: Nick Alajajian
Although veterans Mo Hurt and James Wilson each started some games last season, neither impressed the coaches enough to hold down a job while Alajajian and Jon Halapio were lauded for their first years.
Right tackle: Marcus Gilbert
He started every game in 2009 and will not be unseated from the starting job.
Defensive end: Justin Trattou and Ronald Powell
Trattou is the only sure thing at the position, and Powell will be going against Duke Lemmons and William Green for the other starting job. But the five-star recruit will be too talented to keep off the field.
Defensive tackle: Jay Howard and Omar Hunter
The starting title will not mean much as this will be a rotating door with Lawrence Marsh, Brandon Antwine and Gary Brown coming in often. Freshmen Sharrif Floyd and Dominique Easley could also earn playing time.
Strong-side linebacker: A.J. Jones
Jones was one of the biggest surprises of 2009 but will still need to hold off Brandon Hicks to be the starter in 2010.
Middle linebacker: Jon Bostic
He only has to beat out injury-plagued Brendan Beal.
Weakside linebacker: Jelani Jenkins
This job is wide open and whoever fills it will need to put on weight. Hicks could switch over from strong side if needed.
Cornerback: Janoris Jenkins and Josh Shaw
Jenkins has started almost every game for the previous two seasons, and Shaw is the best cornerback of the loaded 2010 class. He will be going up against Jeremy Brown and Adrian Bushell for the job opposite of Jenkins.
Strong safety: Ahmad Black
He has been a staple on the defense the last two years and won’t be challenged next season.
Free safety: Will Hill
He has been the third safety since he arrived on campus but must still hold off Dee Finley.
