Sophomore defensive back Jalen Tabor isn’t shy about where he thinks his standing is in Florida’s secondary.
"Everybody thinks Vernon (Hargreaves is) the best, but I feel like when I’m on and when I’m doing what I got to do, I feel like I’m the best," Tabor said.
That isn’t a slight to Hargreaves, whom the sophomore considers a mentor and an inspiration for what he hopes to become as a cornerback.
It simply speaks to the belief Tabor has in himself when he’s putting in the extra time and effort and is fully committed.
While having that type of dedication might seem like something every player should do, it isn’t something Tabor has always done.
During his freshman year, Tabor didn’t work as hard as he could have, relying on his talent without putting in the preparation.
It showed in 2014, which was filled with flashes of brilliance but never consistent, dominating performances like he was capable of producing.
But in 2015, he has evolved into one of the best defensive backs in the Southeastern Conference, showcasing the ability to shut down receivers and take care of the other side of the field opposite Hargreaves.
While numbers only tell part of the story of the impact the defensive back has on a game, through seven games this season — he was suspended for the East Carolina game — he has already doubled his interception total from last year, going from one to two, and is only one pass break-up shy of the eight he had in his freshman year.
And it’s primarily because he has changed the way he approaches the game, both through his time spent working on his craft and limiting distractions.
"Just hanging with the right crowd, being grounded, working on my game, watching a lot more film," Tabor said. "Being more mature as a whole has just elevated my game."
His coach has noticed a change, too.
"I’ll tell you what, he’s one of those guys again that I think has come the farthest and has gotten better because of it," coach Jim McElwain said. "Understanding the importance of detail, understanding the importance of it isn’t just rolling the ball out there and go play.
"It’s about studying, it’s about perfecting your craft and really how you can affect those around you. That guy’s done an unbelievable job."
He hasn’t been perfect, as his suspension highlights, but the sophomore is finally beginning to understand the importance of the attention to detail his coach constantly emphasizes.
Part of that understanding has come from working with Hargreaves, a consummate professional who has worked with Tabor to live up to his potential.
"He stays on me," Tabor said.
"He never lets me just chill and relax. If I get a ball thrown on me in practice, he’s livid. He sees more in me than I probably see in myself."
Hargreaves is one of the reasons Tabor chose to come to Florida.
The sophomore could have gone to another school and been the No. 1 guy, or take a back seat to arguably the best defensive back in the country.
But the challenge was something that excited him.
"Being a good player and being a competitive player, you want to go with the best players," Tabor said. "That’s only to make you better."
With Hargreaves likely leaving for the NFL after this season, Tabor is now poised to take over that No. 1 corner spot in Florida’s secondary, along with the spotlight.
But for now, Tabor is content being the guy opposite Hargreaves who no one knows — yet.
"That’s why I’m glad I came here, just to be alongside him," Tabor said. "Teams talk about him and people talk about him. But I’m just a guy in disguise."
Follow Graham Hack on Twitter @graham_hack24
Sophomore defensve back Jalen Tabor (31) dances while the Gator Marching Band plays following Florida's 61-13 win against New Mexico State. The win made a new record for most points scored during a UF head coach's first game.
