The Gators started Thursday morning with some heartbreaking news. The team announced via Twitter that senior defensive back Marcell Harris would miss the entire 2017 season with a torn right Achilles.
Harris stepped into the starting free safety role during the 2016 season after Marcus Maye suffered a broken arm. With Maye departing Gainesville for the NFL, Harris was a shoo-in for the starting job this fall. Especially since he had a team-leading 73 tackles in 2016.
Harris is a fifth-year senior, so he should be able to apply for a medical redshirt, which would give him a sixth-year of eligibility, should he chose to do so.