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CB Black Switching Back To Safety For Gators

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 20, 2008

GAINESVILLE Ahmad Black knows there is a great deal of pressure on the secondary this season. Florida gave up 25.5 points per contest last season and was dead last in pass defense.

The sophomore saw limited action last season after switching from his natural position of safety to cornerback last season. Entering the 2008 season, Black is confident a switch back will benefit himself and the defense.

"Growing up I played a lot of safety and didn't play too much corner," Black said. "Coming in here, the game speed is a little bit faster and coming off playing safety in high school, I think that affected me."

TACKLE STILL AN ISSUE: Florida is still hoping to find a pair of defensive tackles that will provide the push the Gators lacked in 2007. So far only Lawrence Marsh has separated himself.

"That's still the problem until we see some guys do some good things," Coach Urban Meyer said. "That's an issue that has to be resolved; however there are some guys that are close."

The projected starters on the defensive line are Jermaine Cunningham and Carlos Dunlap at end with Marsh starting at tackle.

Defensive line coach Dan McCarney said the Gators may use more defensive sets with just three linemen. Depending on the situation, a fourth linebacker or a fifth defensive back would be added to match up with the defense.

"Matching personnel nowadays with three down lineman is something that's real good,'' McCarney said. "Our three-down linemen package I think is really good and complex and we can do a lot of things out of it."

Karl Hyppolite

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