Florida defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin spent his first three years with the Gators as the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach.
In his first year as a defensive coordinator, he is looking to ensure Florida remains strong at the linebacker position while still focusing on the defense as a whole.
“It’s been an adjustment,” Durkin said on Wednesday. “As a position coach, you’re always so locked into your position, sometimes you have blinders on.”
But the linebacker squad could be one of the weak points on a defensive side that finished fifth in the nation in total defense.
Durkin’s squad lost senior Jon Bostic and junior Jelani Jenkins to the NFL Draft this last April and is looking for players to fill the void.
Luckily for UF, Durkin has a large pool of players to choose from.
Senior Darrin Kitchens and juniors Neiron Ball and Michael Taylor all return to the field this season. Kitchens and Taylor both played in 13 games last year; Ball played in 11.
Taylor had the biggest impact in 2012, making 32 tackles and one sack. He also recorded an interception. Kitchens made 14 tackles, and Ball made 10.
Durkin said Ball moved to inside right linebacker during camp.
“He’s adapting really well to it,” Durkin said, “He’s been a pleasant surprise for us in that regard.”
Sophomore Antonio Morrison also returns to the defense, but he will miss the first two games after coach Will Muschamp suspended him after he was arrested twice over the summer.
Morrison missed the beginning of fall camp due to his suspension but recently rejoined the team. Durkin said Morrison will also be in the mix for a starting spot.
“The guy brings great energy to practice,” Durkin said. “He’s been a pro about it since he came back.”
Durkin also has a healthy Ronald Powell at his disposal. Powell missed the entire 2012 season with a torn ACL he suffered during the 2012 Orange and Blue Game.
Powell made a name for himself at the Buck position in 2011 after leading the team with six sacks.
“We’re 14 practices in, and he’s doing a great job,” Durkin said. “We’re seeing the flashes of No. 7 to say, ‘Alright we got what we think we had.’
“I know he had a lot of anxiety about coming back and all that. He’s doing really well out there, been in contact drills and doing great so looking forward to him getting out on the field.”
The Gators also brought in four linebackers in their latest recruiting class. Four-star recruit Matt Rolin suffered a torn ACL at the start of camp, but Durkin said Alex Anzalone, Jarrad Davis and Daniel McMillian all have a chance to earn large roles on defense.
“They’re doing a great job competing,” Durkin said. “They’re kind of all splitting reps right now and getting their turns. We’re excited to see what they can do.”
Durkin compared McMillian, a four-star prospect out of Jacksonville, to Morrison, saying they both are “hungry for the game.”
Durkin had more praise for the freshman.
“He really wants to be great,” Durkin said. “He wants to contribute and he will.”
Coach brings in recruiting haul: Defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson doesn’t have the same name recognition as Muschamp, but he’s been integral to Florida’s recent success on the recruiting trail.
Robinson was the primary recruiter of four-star cornerbacks Chris Lammons and Quincy Wilson and four-star wide receiver Ermon Lane.
He was also the primary recruiter for four-star running back Dalvin Cook, four-star cornerbacks Duke Dawson and J.C. Jackson, according to Rivals.com.
“He’s an unbelievable recruiter,” Durkin said. “The guy works relentlessly at it.”
Durkin complimented Robinson’s coaching ability and said Robinson will likely rise on the coaching pyramid.
“T-Rob will be a head coach one day,” he said. “There’s no reason he wouldn’t be … The sky’s the limit for him.”
Contact Adam Lichtenstein at alichtenstein@alligator.org.
Kicker Caleb Sturgis (19) celebrates with former special teams and current defensive coordinator DJ Durkin during Florida’s 37-26 win against Florida State on Nov. 24 in Tallahassee.
