Florida’s defensive backfield has been announced for its season opener Saturday. What was an inexperienced yet talented group last season enters 2024 as one of the most experienced position groups on the roster. Under new defensive backs coach Will Harris, UF’s cornerbacks and safeties are seeking to take a step forward.
Senior cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. said that under Harris, the group has become more experienced and placed a greater emphasis on takeaways after only totaling three interceptions last year.
“Coach Harris has emphasized the ball, as far as going and getting the ball,” Marshall Jr. said. “If the ball is in the air, it’s ours.”
Star: Sophomore Sharif Denson
Denson played in all 12 games in his freshman season, mainly on special teams and as a second-string defensive back. The 5-foot-11 sophomore Jacksonville native was recruited to Florida as a cornerback by former defensive backs coach Corey Raymond. But Denson since transitioned to the star position under Harris.
In 2023, Denson recorded just 7 tackles. However, his role increased as his level of play did as well throughout 2023, and in Florida's final game against Florida State, he recorded a tackle-for-loss and two total tackles.
Cornerback: Senior Jason Marshall Jr.
Marshall Jr. is a household name in the Florida secondary. The Miami native and former five-star recruit, returns as the most experienced secondary member from last season and was the most productive corner for the Gators last year. At 6-foot and 201 pounds, Marshall Jr. has a combination of size and physicality that makes him a challenge to line up against.
In 12 games in 2023, Marshall Jr. recorded 26 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and 10 pass breakups.
Junior linebacker Shemar James noticed a difference in Marshall Jr. this year compared to last.
“He’s locked in,” James said. “He is where his feet is. He comes into the building every day and is ready to work…and I expect nothing but Jay Marsh [Jason Marshall Jr.] to come out on Saturday.
Cornerback: Junior Devin Moore
In his third season with the Gators, Moore seeks to build off his solid play towards the end of last season. When he was on the field, Moore was effective in coverage, being responsible for the team's first forced turnover of 2023 for Florida.
Moore also recorded six total tackles and three pass breakups in seven games. At 6-foot-2, the former four-star recruit is a lengthy defensive back who is at his best when he uses the boundary as a second defender.
Moore's biggest test and hope this season could be to simply remain healthy and available. He hasn’t been available for a full season in either of his first two campaigns with the Gators.
Safety: Redshirt senior Asa Turner
The redshirt senior Turner is a Washington transfer, who is coming off an appearance in the national championship. At 6-foot-3, 210 lbs, Turner hits hard and loves to do so.
In 2023, Turner collected 26 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. His redshirt sophomore season was his breakout year. Turner accumulated 52 tackles and two interceptions en route to Pac-12 Honorable Mention honors.
Safety: Sophomore Jordan Castell
Castell returned as one of the most productive players from Florida’s defense last year. Despite being a true freshman in 2023, Castell played in all 12 games and obtained valuable reps to help continue his development.
Marshall Jr. is happy to be roaming the secondary alongside Castell.
“He is a young guy, but he has a lot of experience,” Marshall Jr. said. “He is a good player.”
In his freshman campaign, Castell constructed a solid rookie season, accumulating 60 total tackles, one interception and three pass breakups.
Castell was also named to the Freshman All-SEC Team and ESPN Freshman All-American in 2023.
Florida’s starting defensive backfield will be tested immediately against No. 19 Miami’s talented quarterback Cam Ward. The Gators will take on the Hurricanes Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Contact Chandler Hawkes at chawkes@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter @HawkesChandler.
