Florida Gators Cornerback Competition

Luuchiez Purifoy and Marcus Roberson are solidified as the starting cornerbacks. Both of them are first or second round prospects in the 2014 draft. Purifoy is simply a playmaker. He forced three fumbles last season in 12 starts and had five pass defense. However, he did not record any interceptions, making plays on the ball would make take his game to a whole other level. I believe he will be more comfortable at the cornerback position this season, which will help him out with his ball skills. Purifoy also adds a lot to the special teams as well, he had a blocked kick and two blocked punts. He is only a junior so they Gators might get two seasons out of him, but it is unlikely, considering he could be a top-20 pick.

Marcus Roberson is also a very talented cornerback. Roberson is not quite the all around playmaker that Purifoy is, but he is better is pass defense. He recorded 14 passes defensed, which was good for second in the SEC, and two interceptions. Roberson showed he is also a good tackler by recording 23 tackles, 18 of them solo. Roberson should play well again this season and I do not expect a drop off in any of his stats. He, like Purify, is a junior, but might not stay for both seasons because of his draft potential.

Cody Riggs and Brian Poole are neck and neck in their battle for the nickel corner position. Riggs is entering his senior season in Florida, but he has not made a significant impact. He fractured his foot in the Texas A&M game after making three tackles. He may not be as good as promised when he was recruited, but he could become a key piece this season.

Poole has not had a lot of experience at corner entering his sophomore season. He was a five star recruit coming out of high school, ergo we know he has a lot of potential. I think he has a good chance of becoming the nickel cornerback because he is young and although he may lack some know how that Riggs has, the coaching staff may choose him because of his potential.

I believe that Brian Poole will beat out Riggs for the nickel corner spot because of the reasons I stated above. With Purifoy, Roberson and Poole being the first three corners, I think it is safe to say that this is a talented defensive backfield. Look for them to cause many quarterbacks and receivers many problems throughout the season.