By Jenna Sweeney
SouthernPigskin.com

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Ronald Powell led the Gators with six sacks in 2011.

The University of Florida announced Monday that Ronald Powell tore his ACL during Saturday’s Orange and Blue Debut. The Florida release stated that his recovery could take anywhere from 4-6 months. Powell plays the Buck position for the Gators, and his injury will only increase the woes of second year head coach Will Muschamp. The upcoming junior was reported to be having his best spring showing since his arrival on Florida’s campus.

Due to his absence, the Gators will have to find someone who can fill his integral role on defense. Two players who will have to step up in his absence are redshirt senior Lerentee McCray and incoming freshman Dante Fowler Jr.

If experience means anything in the battle for the starting Buck job, McCray will surely have the upper hand. After playing in nine games during the 2011 season and making five starts, McCray has a good grasp of Will Muschamp’s defensive strategy. McCray had 24 tackles during the season and 1.5 sacks. McCray also led the team in quarterback hurries and was fifth in tackles for a loss.

Although he is not arriving until the summer, Dante Fowler Jr. is not afraid of the competition. Fowler already planned on challenging Powell for the starting spot and will not let McCray take it away from him without a fight. Fowler, who flipped from the Seminoles to the Gators on National Signing Day, was ranked the third best player at his position by Rivals.com.

Despite his talent, Fowler will have to learn the playbook in a hurry if he expects to make an impact on the field. Florida’s Buck position requires an in depth knowledge of the defensive schemes and an immense amount of leadership skills. If the freshman is able to step up, Florida’s coaches and fans will have a lot to look forward to during his years on campus.

Regardless of the outcome, Powell’s injury only adds uncertainty for Florida. For Florida fans, the battle for the starting job at the Buck position will be something to keep an eye on.