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SEC Football: 5 Biggest Questions Facing the Florida Gators in the 2016 Offseason

By Andrew Schutte

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Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) rushes against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) rushes against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

How will the Gators’ defense fare after the losses of cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III and defensive end Jonathan Bullard?

Knock Will Muschamp all you want, but there’s no arguing the fact that he had/has the uncanny ability to attract the most talented defensive athletes to his program. Just look at what he was able to lure to Gainesville.

But now it’s up to McElwain and defensive coordinator Geoff Collins to seek out the top defensive players, especially as Muschamp’s guys start making their departures.

The question is, will the defense continue playing at such a high level with some key guys going to the NFL? Simply put, there’s just no way you lose Hargreaves, Bullard, and middle linebacker Antonio Morrison and not experience some kind of a drop-off.

With that said, the Gators are still loaded with talent on that side of the ball and just added even more to their ever-growing depth with a stellar recruiting class.

Expect more big things from a pair of big-time playmakers on the rise in senior linebacker Jarrad Davis and junior cornerback Jalen Tabor — a first-team All-SEC pick last season.

Florida will be just fine defensively.

Next: Field goals? What are those?

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