Jordan Castell enters Year 2 with Florida in a 'different place'

Florida’s safety corps looks a bit different than it did a year ago, but returning sophomore Jordan Castell stands out as he approaches his second season in the Swamp.

Castell is the projected starting free safety heading into 2024 after starting 11 of 12 games a season ago. Washington transfer Asa Turner will play alongside him in strong safety while teaching him to be a position-room leader.

Florida head coach Billy Napier said on Wednesday that he liked the progression he’s seen from the former West Orange High defensive back.

“He’s just a different place right now,” Napier said. “He’s playing faster. He’s got a better comprehension of the system. He’s communicating better. You see him barking out calls.

“I think he would probably tell you that the veteran safeties that we’ve added to the team have made him a better player. Number one, they do it the right way — their work ethic, their attention to detail, the way they approach their business.”

While Castell has made several improvements off the field, he’s continued to improve on the field as well. He’s still learning the nuances of the safety position after spending time at cornerback in is high school years. One year of SEC ball should have accelerated the process, but the athletic ability has always been there for Castell.

“Jordan is unique,” Napier said. “He’s 6-2, he’s 205 pounds. He’s got corner coverage ability. He’s a bright player too, so I think it’s been natural that move for him. He’s got ball skills. He can make plays on the ball.”

Transfer impacting entire position room

It’s not just Castell who is benefitting from the new guys in town. In addition to Turner, there’s Tulane transfer DJ Douglas, who is expected to play a strong role in the rotation (possibly at STAR), and Oregon transfer Trikweze Bridges in the mix.

With five more scholarship safeties on the roster, there’s a deep competition going on for those second and third-string reps.

“We’ve got depth there,” Napier said. “I think that causes everybody to raise their level of play. The veteran example to go along with the competition, I think it’s made that whole group better.”

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