Fansided

Florida Gators’ freshmen CB’s on fast track to stardom

By Patrick Schmidt

Apr 12, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) is defended by defensive back Jalen Tabor (5) during the first half of the spring game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) is defended by defensive back Jalen Tabor (5) during the first half of the spring game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Florida Gators received a big scare on Thursday night when All-SEC cornerback Vernon Hargreaves had to be carted off the field with a knee injury.

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Gator Nation breathed a huge sigh of relief a couple hours later when head coach Will Muschamp revealed the sophomore cornerback will only be day-to-day with a bone bruise and isn’t expected to miss any time this season after Florida was ravaged by injuries last year.

In the time that passed with the fate of Hargreaves unknown, it shined the spotlight on a pair of talented freshmen cornerbacks who are expected to be significant contributors in their rookie season in Gainesville.

Jalen Tabor was the five-star headliner and the top recruit in last year’s class as the No. 14 overall recruit in the nation and the No. 4 cornerback recruit and could have the leg up on Duke Dawson, who was the No. 194 overall recruit and No. 18 cornerback, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, for a starting spot opposite Hargreaves.

The duo is already impressing Hargreaves who was the No. 3 overall recruit in 2013.

“Jalen and Duke, they’re vets in my book,” he said. “They have a spring under their belts. They understand the defense and what’s expected. In my book they’re with me. They’re playing well. They’re still getting it. We’ve got to do better. We’ve got to perfect our craft.”

Muschamp echoed the sentiments from his potential All-American cornerback when he addressed the media on Friday afternoon.

“Jalen Tabor did some nice things,” he said. “Duke did some nice things. Duke’s a guy we played at the nickel a little in the spring, can play a different position. He gives you a different skill set as far as a bigger guy that’s a good blitzer. He’s got good run instincts, could possibly get some looks at safety. Smart guy.”

With Marcus Roberson and Loucheiz Purifoy declaring for the NFL Draft early last year, both went undrafted, the freshmen will play a lot of snaps as freshmen as they look to erase the 4-8 season from last year from the memory of Gator Nation.

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