Five Gators with something to Prove - D

Defense

1 - Brandon Hicks - hate to put this on any kid but he's perhaps the most important piece of this years defense. This man thinks he's up for it. It's his year to make a big name for himself and he has the stuff to do it, now he just has to do it...
2 - Jaye Howard - The all-underwear stud defensive tackle! Everyone has raved about how good he looks and how good he can be. It's time for him to prove them right!
3 - William Green - A backup defensive end the Gators really need to come on and have a big year with the departure of Jermain Cunningham and Carlos Dunlap to the NFL. Like Hicks this man thinks Green has it in him to fill the shoes at DE for Florida.
4 - Ronald Powell - As much as this man really hates to put anything on a true freshman everyone else will be. The question isn't whether he plays or not, it's how soon, how much and how well. Because of his recruiting status as the top recruit in the country there is a lot for him to prove. The chances are pretty good he will as soon as he gets acclimated to the speed of the game in the SEC.
5 - The other Cornerback - Adrian Bushell was it till he fought Urban's law and the law won. Florida's last two corners have started as true freshmen - Joe Haden who they're looking to replace and Janoris Jenkins, perhaps they find another true freshman this year. It's very important to the defensive philosophy to find one who can play.

nothing to prove....

a - Justin Trattou - He proved it all last year. Might be the toughest player in the nation, if not he's got to be in the top five with all the pain he played through in 2009. He'll be playing on one tendon in his shoulder this fall, the other one tore off last fall.
b - Terron Sanders and Lawrence Marsh - get this, this pair started at DT and NG in the National Championship season in 2008, they will have to compete to start this fall. The Gators are upgrading their talent drastically in this area. These two will play a lot.
c - Ahmad Black - He's proved to everyone he's a baller. His INT against Oklahoma late in that game helped seal the deal for the Gators second NC under Urban Meyer. Only thing he has to prove is if he can make an NFL club, but that's after this season.
d - Janoris Jenkins - All he has left to do at Florida is step into Joe Haden's shoes, his third season as a Gator everyone believes he's ready to do that.
e - Will Hill - Probably has things to prove to himself, goals to achieve, he was so highly touted as a recruit. Maybe he can talk with Powell some. Believe he's proved he can play and play well in the SEC.