You know that old adage about being a coach on the field? Rarely has it been personified better than by Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III. The son of Houston linebackers coach Vernon Hargreaves and now a sophomore consensus preseason first-team All-American for the Gators, Hargreaves has emerged as Florida's unquestioned leader in the secondary.

During fall camp, Hargreaves frequently took over and basically did Travaris Robinson's job as the defensive backs coach at various points in different drills. Robinson was more than content to let Florida's most recognizable star do his thing, standing back and nodding approval while occasionally giving some additional input.

"I guess I gained his trust from last year playing," Hargreaves said. "I understand the defense, and I feel like it’s my job to get the younger players ready. So I kind of take it upon myself to tell what I see, tell them how I would play it, give them advice. He trusts me."

Hargreaves and the Gators will get their first test against Paul Petrino's passing game at Idaho on Saturday in the Swamp. Fans should get an early chance to see Hargreaves' coaching pay dividends, with several freshmen expected to play in the secondary.