2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: SEC
By Kyle Edmond
Florida – Donovan Stiner, Defensive Back, Senior
Ohio State and LSU battle every year over who “DBU” is, but Florida is one that isn’t in the conversation nearly enough. From Joe Haden to most recently C.J. Henderson, the Gators turn out defensive backs at a pace that is close to that of the Buckeyes and Tigers. So who’s next on the list? Donovan Stiner.
Despite playing on a defense last year with Henderson, who was a top 10 selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, Stiner still managed to be the top defensive back on the roster for a few different categories. Leading the team with four interceptions, Stiner also just missed Henderson’s tackle total for the season, having just three fewer.
One area that Stiner will need to improve upon to get to a similar level of Henderson will be his pass breakups, registering just one compared to Henderson’s 11. However, being a safety rather than a corner like Henderson, Stiner can make a name for himself as a ball-hawk center fielder of the defense, which many teams have been searching for over the past few drafts.
If Stiner can continue to harness his ball tracking ability and repeat his success in the interception department, teams will be biting at the bit to add him to their secondary.