[Tuck4Bama]

All this talk about Florida's young defense has become somewhat repetitive. But strong safety Tony Joiner has yet to grow weary of hearing it. He said he kind of likes it, actually.

He finds it motivating.

"We're an extremely young defense — and that's a challenge we look forward to," he said. "We want to rise to the challenge because everyone thinks we can't do it. We're competitors, we like the challenge that comes with being a young defense."

The challenge is definitely there.

Joiner is only one of two returning starters from last year's national championship defense and only one of three senior starters on UF's opening-day depth chart.

Co-defensive coordinator Charlie Strong said this is the youngest Florida defense he's ever been around, and he's going into his 11th season as a UF assistant.

"Looking at the two-deep, you have so many freshmen who are second team because of the depth because we lost so many guys from last year," Strong said. "We're young, but any time you have talent you feel pretty good.

"Plus, because of what we did last year, we have something to build on the way we've played defense around here. With so many young guys, you have to be very simple about what you do and then just acclimate them to what they're going to face. Everything we've asked them to do, they've picked it up very well. Everything we're trying to accomplish on the field, they're doing it."

Gatorsports.com