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Gators Safety Jordan Castell Earns ESPN Freshman All-American Honor

Safety Jordan Castell started in 11 games for the Gators in 2023.
Brandon Carroll|
Gators Safety Jordan Castell Earns ESPN Freshman All-American Honor
Gators Safety Jordan Castell Earns ESPN Freshman All-American Honor

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Florida Gators

Another Florida freshman has earned a postseason award following the 2023 campaign.

Florida Gators safety Jordan Castell reeled in ESPN Freshman All-American team honors on Thursday as he was named to the list following his rookie year in orange and blue.

The talented defender joins offensive standout, wideout Eugene Wilson III, as Florida newcomers to grace a Freshman All-American team list. 

A former four-star recruit out of West Orange High School (Orlando, Fla.), Castell joined the Gators 2023 class as a high-upside defensive back prospect with experience at both cornerback and safety. 

Standing at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, he fit the mold at safety for former defensive backs coach Corey Raymond. Upon arrival in Gainesville, he created high expectations for himself in his early practice sessions, quickly rising up the depth chart. 

When the season arrived, Castell claimed a high-volume responsibility in the four-man safety rotation. However, his ascension to contributor quickly became more after just one appearance.

Following the Gators' 24-11 loss on the road at Utah in Week 1, Castell was plugged into the starting lineup at strong safety. 

He held the role firmly for the ensuing 11 contests, proving to be a bright spot in Florida's defense despite the struggles the unit endured throughout the season.

Showcasing his length to provide a viable coverage option in the cover three look the Gators operated within at a high volume, Castell accounted for four pass breakups and one interception on the year. He added a team-leading 60 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, possessing an expanding ability to work downhill against opposing ball carriers. 

Castell's year-one success provides Florida a prominent building block in the secondary as it yearns for a defensive renaissance moving into year two under coordinator Austin Armstrong in 2024.

Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and recruiting. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and All Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook.

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Brandon Carroll
BRANDON CARROLL

Brandon Carroll is a recent graduate of the University of Florida. He serves as the lead reporter for the Florida Gators FanNation-Sports Illustrated website, covering football, basketball and recruiting. When he isn't hard at work, he enjoys listening to music, playing flag football and basketball, spending time with his friends and family, and watching an array of television shows. Follow him on Twitter @itsbcarroll.

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