Florida's defense was expected to be dominant yet again this season thanks to the return of redshirt senior Marcell Harris at defensive back. The team's returning leading tackler unfortunately will not be playing this season though after an absolutely devastating injury he just suffered.
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Marcell Harris will miss the 2017 season with a torn Achilles tendon.
Details & a quote from @CoachMcElwain here: https://t.co/7gKdhGLKU7 pic.twitter.com/jHvA9WQwm2
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) July 20, 2017
Here are some quotes from Coach McElwain on Harris and what he meant to the team:
"As a coach this is one of the hardest things you are faced with … a kid who has made great personal growth during his time here.” -JM on MH
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) July 20, 2017
“Tough to see a player invest so much in himself and his teammates and have this happen…we will support him every step of the way.”-JM on MH
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) July 20, 2017
Harris had 73 total tackles last season to go with a sack, four tackles for loss and a forced fumble. He was set for a fantastic year after he played in all 13 games last season and helped get the team to the SEC Championship Game as well as win their bowl game against Iowa.
The secondary will look a lot different and there's a strong chance there's going to be a lot of inexperience in it now that Harris is gone. However, he could petition for a sixth year of eligibility if he wants and I would be inclined to say it's a strong possibility he gets it as he didn't play a single game this year and was forced to miss his senior with an injury that is incredibly serious.
