After struggling in multiple departments even before the arrival of Billy Napier in 2022, the Gators vowed to get the secondary back on track in 2024. After two of Florida’s three safety additions from the transfer portal quickly proved to not be the answer, it was time for sophomores Jordan Castell and Bryce Thornton to lead the way for the rest of the season.
Now in their third year at Florida, it will be up to Thornton and Castell to pave the way for a new duo of young talent. True freshmen defensive backs Drake Stubbs and Lagonza Hayward have clearly left strong impressions in fall camp and look to play a big role for the Gators in the future.