Florida head coach Jim McElwain will have his hands full trying to figure out what he has to work with in Gainesville. On the offensive side of the ball, he still has much work to do to get it turned around. The defense, while stellar, still needs good depth at certain positions. Here’s a look at five players that can breakout and help McElwain make his first year a success.
5 Florida Gators Players to Watch
Brandon Powell, sophomore (wide receiver)
2014 stats: 15 receptions, 147 yards, one receiving touchdown
McElwain’s first big move on offense came in the form of moving Brandon Powell from running back to wide receiver. Powell made a few plays at wideout last season and showed he has a knack for getting open. Playing from the slot, the speedy Powell will look to help relieve some of the coverage that is sure to go towards fellow receiver Demarcus Robinson. Powell was having a nice spring before a foot inury sidelined him. McElwain believes in Powell enough as a sophomore to take him to SEC Media Days. That statement must mean McElwain is ready to believe Powell can be a playmaker in his offense.
Brian Cox Jr., junior, defensive end
2014 stats: 29 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks
Cox came onto the scene last year with a three sack game against Tennessee. While he couldn’t keep up that kind of performance all season, he looks to play a bigger role in this year’s defense. With Dante Fowler gone, the new staff will look to play bigger defensive linemen with Cox Jr. as the starter on the strong side. How Cox Jr. bounces back from a hip injury will go a long way in determining how much of a jump we can see.
Jalen Tabor, sophomore, cornerback
2014 stats: 31 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, eight pass breakups, one interception
The big, physical cornerback played in every game as a true freshman and looks to lock down the other side of the field opposite Vernon Hargreaves. He showed improvement as the season went on last year, but still needs to work on getting better in run support. He has a great knack at timing his blitzes and getting to the quarterback from the corner spot when needed. With J.C. Jackson being kicked off the team, Tabor gets plenty of opportunity to be the next great Florida cornerback.
Taven Bryan, redshirt freshman, defensive tackle
Known as “The Wyoming Wild Man,” Taven Bryan was one of the players talked most about this past Spring in Gainesville. Starting inside at tackle, Bryan was a disruptive force all spring long. “I want me a wild man, I want a guy that’s going to get the ball back,” defensive line coach Chris Rumph said. “I want a guy that’s going to come off the ball, going to strike, come out his hips, play blocks, rush the passer, sack the quarterback.” Those comments speak straight to Bryan’s ability to contribute and play a major role in the defense.
Jordan Scarlett, freshman, running back
It’s pretty tough to put a freshman on a list as a top breakout player. If there is one Florida is bringing in that has a chance, it’s Jordan Scarlett. Florida doesn’t have much in the way of proven running backs behind Kelvin Taylor. Adam Lane struggled in the spring after having a great Birmingham Bowl. As a result, he was in McElwain’s doghouse much of the spring. Scarlett is the most ready freshman to come in and get playing time. He already has the build and speed needed to contribute in the SEC. If he can mentally get ready and start picking things up quickly, then he will see the field game one. Don’t be surprised if he’s number two on the depth chart when fall camp ends.
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