**GAINESVILLE, Fla.** – Florida’s STAR nickel cornerback role saw two underclassmen, Sharif Denson and Aaron Gates, become pivotal contributors during the 2024 season—when healthy. Both sophomores logged significant snaps, with Denson recording 348 plays over 12 games (six starts) and Gates 199 snaps across nine appearances (five starts). Together, they combined for 64 tackles, nine tackles for loss (including two sacks by Denson), two interceptions, seven pass breakups, and three forced/recovered fumbles. Despite allowing completion rates of 65.8% (Denson, 38 targets) and 69% (Gates, 29 targets), both held opponents under 10 yards per catch on average.
Injuries, however, derailed their momentum. Gates suffered a torn ACL against Ole Miss in November after missing Week 4 with an undisclosed issue, while Denson sat out Week 2 and injured his foot in December’s Gasparilla Bowl. Entering 2025 spring camp, neither participated in media-visible drills, with head coach Billy Napier stating Denson remains in “return-to-play protocol.” Their absences have opened doors for younger defensive backs to compete for the STAR role.
Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts highlighted the upside: “Injuries create opportunities. Josiah Davis, Lagonza Hayward, and Alfonzo Allen Jr. are seizing critical reps.” Davis, a redshirt freshman, and Allen, a senior walk-on, saw limited 2024 action (17 and 32 STAR snaps, respectively). True freshman Hayward, a natural safety, is adapting to multiple roles as coaches stress cross-training for scheme mastery.
Napier noted the overlap between safety and STAR responsibilities, creating chances for rookies like Hayward, Greg Smith III, and Drake Stubbs. Allen, a Baylor transfer familiar with Roberts’ system, made a late-season interception in the Gasparilla Bowl despite minimal snaps (42 total). Roberts praised Allen’s defensive IQ and his decision to transfer closer to home, calling him a “potential contributor” despite joining mid-year.
As spring progresses, Florida’s secondary depth faces a litmus test—turning untested talent into reliable playmakers ahead of a pivotal 2025 campaign.
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