Marcus Roberson opened the 2012 season with a 31-yard interception that set up a Florida scoring drive against Bowling Green.
Nearly a year later, Florida is looking for that same spark from the junior cornerback.
Roberson has been a key player in the UF secondary since arriving in Gainesville in 2011. The Gators’ defense will now rely on him more than ever.
Roberson had a solid season last year, starting four games and notching two interceptions and a team-leading 12 pass deflections.
But with defensive backs Matt Elam and Josh Evans now in the NFL, there’s an opening for a UF upperclassman to lead the defense.
Roberson could be that player.
He spent the offseason bulking up in preparation for 2013. He was listed at 178 pounds on the 2012 roster, but defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin said he’s closer to 200 now.
"He’s really changed his body," Durkin said. "He’s worked hard in the weight room in the offseason."
Roberson needs the extra strength because, along with time spent playing corner, he has seen time as punt returner.
"It’s fun," Roberson said about returning punts.
Roberson has seen an increase in reps as other cornerbacks have suffered minor injuries.
Senior Jaylen Watkins (foot) and freshman Vernon Hargreaves III (shoulder sprain) have both missed portions of camp.
"Those guys are good players," Roberson said. "I like good players beside me or in when I’m not in. I like those guys a lot."
Now healthy, Watkins, one of two senior cornerbacks on the roster, has returned to practice. Durkin said Watkins had a good practice on Tuesday and has had a solid camp overall.
"I know the other two corners get talked about quite a bit and rightfully so," Durkin said, "but Jaylen is a darn good corner himself."
Meanwhile, Hargreaves, a five-star recruit according to Rivals.com, has not returned to practice, but coach Will Muschamp said on Aug. 19 that the staff expects him to return in time for Florida’s season opener against Toledo on Aug. 31.
In addition to affecting Roberson’s practice time, the injuries have limited cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy’s chances to get reps with the offense. Purifoy practiced with the offense during spring camp and is listed as both a defensive back and wide receiver.
"We still have a good plan for him," Muschamp said.
Durkin said the coaches challenged Purifoy at the start of camp to develop and refine his technique, and Purifoy has lived up to the challenge.
"It’s an ongoing thing," Durkin said, "but we feel good about where he’s at now."
Roberson and Purifoy will likely start at corner against Toledo, joining current depth-chart leaders Cody Riggs and Marcus Maye in the secondary.
Roberson might have big shoes to fill, but the coaching staff believes he is up to the task.
"I think he’s going to have an unbelievable season," Durkin said.
Follow Adam Lichtenstein on Twitter @ALichtenstein24.
Junior cornerback Marcus Roberson stands at the line of scrimmage during practice on Monday. Roberson led Florida with 12 pass deflections and had two interceptions in 2012.
