Florida was supposed to enter the 2008 season fairly comfortable at the safety position. Sophomore Major Wright returns to lead what should be a pretty solid unit, capable of producing some big plays. Wright was supposed to be joined by senior Dorian Munroe, but Munroe went down with an ACL injury during the summer and will miss the 2008 season.

Wright will be the hard-hitting, smash-mouth anchor of the unit and his play-making ability was one of the few positives for the Gator secondary last season.

Wright made play after play last year, forcing fumbles at critical junctures and even showing some good instinct against the pass and coming up with an interception or two. If he continues to improve, he could be one of the best safeties in the SEC next year.

The Gators will count on him to provide support against the run, an area where he excelled last year.

Munroe was set to be the starter along with Wright before his season-ending injury.

Now the onus will be on a few relatively young players to step up and contribute at the position.

The first of these is superstar true freshman Will “the Thrill” Hill, who is expected to compete for immediate playing time heading into fall practice. Hill was a human highlight reel in high school and might be the next Reggie Nelson at Florida.

However, in order to get playing time he will have to beat out sophomore Ahmad Black, who was making some huge plays in spring practice.

Black seems to be on the fast track to the starting spot in the 2008 season and Hill will have to be brilliant to beat him out.

The Gators have also moved wide receiver Justin Williams to safety and Williams has seemed like a natural so far in fall practice.

He could compete for serious playing time at the position.

Thomas Goldkamp is one of the owners of SECSportsHub.com and is a main contributor here on GT.com. Visit SECSportsHub.com for information on all the different SEC Teams and sports.