Will Muschamp said on Wednesday that he considered freshman cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III a starter despite having played only two college games.
That does not surprise Hargreaves’ former high school coach, David Mitchell.
“I just know he’s a special ballplayer,” Mitchell said.
Hargreaves has made his mark on the UF defense early in his college career.
He has interceptions in each of his first two games and will look to continue that streak when No. 19 Florida (1-1) takes on Tennessee (2-1) at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
“He’s played really well for us this season,” defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin said. “He’s definitely considered a starter. Wherever that is at, he’s one of those guys in the mix.”
Hargreaves will likely get a greater opportunity to showcase his skills this coming week because space has cleared at the top of the depth chart. Senior Jaylen Watkins previously started at cornerback, but this week’s depth chart listed him at safety. Hargreaves was — and is still — listed as a second-team player, but both Muschamp and Durkin said he will see plenty of reps during the game.
“ I think Vernon is the furthest (freshman) along as far as being out there and helping us,” Durkin said.
Hargreaves was a five-star prospect coming out of Tampa Wharton High, according to Rivals.com, and he has lived up to the hype so far this season.
Teammates and coaches alike have praised his knowledge and his athleticism.
“Obviously he has great talent and ability to play the position,” Durkin said. “He’s a very mature guy.”
Both Durkin and Mitchell credited Hargreaves’ environment growing up as helping him become the player he is today. Hargreaves’ father, Vernon Hargreaves, is currently the linebackers coach at Houston. He was previously the defensive ends coach and special teams coordinator for South Florida.
“He’s been around football all of his life,” Mitchell said. “It’s knowledge and being around football.”
Said Durkin: “He’s a coach’s son, and you can tell … He carries himself like an experienced veteran, and it shows on the field.”
Follow Adam Lichtenstein on Twitter @ALichtenstein24.
Freshman cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III celebrates after making the first interception of his college career in No. 10 Florida's 24-6 win against Toledo on Aug. 31 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
