Not the most physical group, defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong knew that changes needed to be made. Bringing in three different experienced safeties from the transfer portal has shifted the Gators’ safety room. Despite losing one starter to the transfer portal, fans are quite optimistic about this position group. With two underclassmen thrust into starting roles, this group was lacking in experience last season. Although making strides and improving, it was evident that this group was not battle-tested in the SEC. Now containing experience, and bringing in top-tier transfers, the back end of this defense should be a strength. Oftentimes struggling to make tackles, or taking bad angles on ball carriers, that should be no more. This Gators team will be tested throughout, with one of the hardest schedules in the nation. If Billy Napier wants to have a successful season, this Gators safety group must step up.
Young but Experienced
Starting last season as a true freshman, Jordan Castell now has a feel for the SEC. Earning Freshman All-SEC honors, he oftentimes played like a true veteran. Going through his own learning curve, he wasn’t always playing at the highest level, nor was he expected to. Coming in and starting as a true freshman was impressive enough, that fans knew that it would take time for him to acclimate. Starting the last 11 games of the season, Castell accounted for 60 tackles with three pass breakups and an interception. Even if he wasn’t a freshman, this would be considered a productive season for any safety. Although the Gators brought in veteran transfers, he has already been in the system and knows how the defense operates. Needing to take on a leadership role, this defense will hinge on the play of this young man.
Power 5 Transfers
With the Gators able to snag Asa Turner from Washington, this group will no longer be lacking in experience. A redshirt senior, Turner was rated as a top 300 player in the transfer portal by 247sports.com. Wildly productive while at Washington, he struggled this past season with injuries, being forced to miss 8 games. Coming back during Washington’s postseason run, he started all three games, including the national championship. Putting up a stellar performance in the semifinals, he had five tackles and a fumble recovery against the Texas Longhorns. Spending five seasons at Washington, Turner is one of the most experienced defensive backs in the country. Taking part in the Orange and Blue game, Turner was able to turn some heads with an impressive pass breakup. Participating in Spring Practices, Turner has had time to indoctrinate himself into the system, and perhaps earn a role as a starter.
The other of the heralded transfers, Trikweze Bridges also comes from the Pac 12 via the Oregon Ducks. Spending five seasons with the Ducks, he brings considerable experience to this Gators safety group. Enrolling during the Spring, he had the opportunity to take part in Spring Practices and the Orange and Blue game. An experienced transfer, the jury is still out on where he will be lining up this fall. With a now crowded safety room, the Gators will have to improvise lineups. Perhaps not starting from day one, there is no doubt that Bridges will have an instant impact on this team. A versatile defensive back, he even started a game at cornerback last season for the Ducks. With 16 tackles and 3 pass breakups, the talent is there. Transferring to Gainesville for his last season of eligibility, there will certainly be a role for him on this defense.
Slept on Transfer
Not yet finished in the transfer portal, the Gators got one more safety to round out this position group. Coming to Gainesville via Tulane, DJ Douglas also brings loads of experience. Clearly feeling as if experience was an issue, the Gators went out and brought in three veteran safeties. Beginning his career at Alabama, he transferred to Tulane in 2021, where he spent three seasons. Not seeing much playing time while with the Crimson Tide, he still gained SEC experience. Starting in 12 of Tulane’s 13 games, his stats were quite impressive with 3 interceptions and 54 tackles. Adding two pass breakups and a tackle for loss, he was all over the field for the Green Wave. Setting a career-high in tackles (7) in the American Athletic Conference Championship game, he proved his physicality. The Gators will no doubt find him a role on this defense.
Rising Up the Ranks
One of the returnees of this Gators safety group, Bryce Thornton, was thrust into playing time earlier than expected. A freshman last season, he competed in all 12 games, with four starts. Finishing his season with 34 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss, he was a pleasant surprise for many fans. Playing well when close to the line of scrimmage, he oftentimes struggled with downfield tackling. Similar to the rest of the defensive back group, his physicality, and tackling angles were not up to the SEC standard. Thrown into starting action, and although it wasn’t quite expected, it still provided him with some in-game experience. With many fans wanting him to start over last season’s starter (Miguel Mitchell), he showed flashes of big play ability. With multiple transfers coming in, Thornton needs to prove to the coaching staff that he has what it takes to start in the SEC.
