INJURY UPDATE: Who Will Start at Cornerback After Marshall’s injury Hit?

During Florida’s eighth week victory against Kentucky, senior cornerback Jason Marshall sustained a visible shoulder injury that would result in the termination of his 2024 season. Marshall was having a great season, giving up only 9 catches for 115 yards on 18 attempts and leading the Gators’ defense with three pass breakups. 45 out of the total 115 yards were gained during a single play against Kentucky, which was a flea flicker. The cornerback who stands 6’1 and weighs 205 pounds led Florida in snaps during seven games and was performing at a high level on Florida’s defense.

After losing Jason Marshall and Ja’Keem Jackson, two of their top three cornerbacks, Florida will have to depend on inexperienced defensive backs for important playing time against Georgia on Saturday.

Starter: Devin Moore

It is crucial for junior cornerback Devin Moore to stay healthy as he continues to be a starter with the current situation in the cornerback group. Moore has given up two touchdowns and allowed six catches for 93 yards on 12 passes thrown his way, limiting opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of 80.9, which is the third lowest among Florida’s defensive backs.

Starter: Dijon Johnson.

The top choice to replace Marshall is sophomore cornerback Dijon Johnson. This season, Johnson has been the top defender for Florida in coverage, allowing only three receptions for 15 yards on five targets in 91 coverage snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, this cornerback stands at 6’1 and weighs 200 pounds, ranking 53rd among all cornerbacks in the FBS.

Who’s next?

This is the point where the situation becomes complicated for the Gators. Only two of Florida’s remaining outside cornerbacks have played in a game this season, totaling just 39 snaps. Sophomore Cormani McClain and freshman Teddy Foster are the two individuals.

McClain made his debut as a Gator in week eight against Kentucky and put on a truly impressive performance. The Colorado transfer intercepted a pass and broke up a pass, not allowing any receptions on three targets. Head coach Billy Napier mentioned on Wednesday that McClain exhibited confidence during practice this week, but still has a lot to learn when it comes to understanding the defense.

Florida also boasts freshman cornerback Jameer Grimsley, a highly regarded prospect from Tampa who initially committed to Nick Saban and Alabama before switching schools. Nevertheless, Grimsley has not participated in any matches this season, so I would not anticipate him taking on a substantial position. Grimsley has not participated in any games this season, so he has the option to play in up to four of Florida’s five remaining games and still be eligible for a redshirt.

It is more probable that Sharif Denson or Aaron Gates will shift to outside cornerback than Grimsley, McClain, or Foster taking on the CB3 position. Both are more experienced than any other options in Florida and have the ability to be versatile and make things happen. Gates started as a cornerback in his first year but moved to nickel/star during the offseason. During the preseason, Billy Napier mentioned that Denson and Gates are capable of playing cornerback, and advised not to be shocked if they are both on the field together this season. I think we’ll witness that during the tenth week against Georgia.