Transfers Cam Jackson, Caleb Banks Spearheading Bolstered Gators iDL
Florida's well-documented defensive struggles since the 2020 season have come for a myriad of reasons.
From communication lapses to questionable coaching tactics and simply the absence of premier talent and depth at most positions, the Gators' woes in halting opposing offenses was a significant point addressed by Billy Napier and Co. during the regime's second offseason at the helm.
Their efforts to induce a defensive resurgence placed an emphasis on the trenches.
The glaring lack of depth on the interior defensive line in 2022 — which forced eventual second-rounder Gervon Dexter to play 65 snaps per game on average — led to Florida's search for veteran talent to step into the fold alongside the returning pieces who proved competent last year, namely Desmond Watson and Chris McClellan.
Memphis transfer Cam Jackson and Louisville transfer Caleb Banks quickly emerged as the top portal pieces to bolster the Gators' defensive front. They're expected to fulfill starting spots in a much healthier and more effective talent rotation in 2023.
"I feel like we got a lot of rotation," Jackson said while speaking with media on Thursday. "I know, they [were] telling me and Caleb how they really didn't have a lot of depth last year. So, I look at it as long as we stop the run and we able to get off the field and bring another group of rotation in, we [are] going to be good."
Lined with the likes of Jackson, Banks, Watson, McClellan and true freshman Will Norman, the unit is viewed to be in a better position to remain fresh and effective throughout the contest than it has been in recent memory.
Jackson, who suggested the defense under coordinator Austin Armstrong is designed to showcase his explosiveness, said he believes the potential five-man rotation brings "a lot to the table."
"The defensive line, I feel like we have a lot of talent," he said. "Everybody, like, we fast and violent."
His description of the unit, no matter which grouping is put on the field, seemingly aligns with the disruption he told All Gators he wanted to bring to the defensive trenches following his transfer in January.
However, the on-field production of Jackson and Banks will not be the only responsibility the duo shoulders throughout the 2023 campaign. Despite being new faces to this defense and the Florida program, they're expected to perform as the unit’s veteran leaders.
Both understood that reality during their transfer portal recruitment. They've accepted the challenge and look to feed off each other as they run on a similar path to performing under the lights on Florida Field.
"Cam Jackson, that guy helps me with a lot of things, too," Banks said. "He brings a lot of energy. He knows what he's doing. If I make a mistake, I like to look to him and he helps me and if I make a mistake, I help him. We just work together."
Jackson echoed that sentiment when asked about the advantage of playing alongside Banks.
"It's been great playing next to Caleb. We came in together, so it's been good playing with him, just getting to know him. Caleb, he's like another little big brother, so, I like playing next to him and I feel like we going to have a special year."
As they venture into this new chapter in their respective careers, the duo expects to be a microcosm of the interior defensive line and defense as a whole by making an undeniable impact in each contest. The byproduct of doing so is finding sustainable success, unlike in the past three seasons.
"I know when you play Florida, you going to know you playing Florida," Jackson said." I know for the last couple of years, defense, it's struggled a little bit, but we getting it back on point."
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