Florida’s pass protection has improved in 2024. Through six games this season, the Gators have allowed 30 pressures and eight sacks. In 2023, Florida allowed 126 pressures and 39 sacks. We are at the halfway point of the season, which means the Gators are on pace to significantly improve in both statistical categories.
Pro Football Focus grades Florida’s offensive unit as the 7th best in pass protection this season. The Gators ranked 62nd in 2023.
A major part of Florida’s improvement in pass protection is the increased production from their offensive tackles, particularly right tackle. The Gators moved Damieon George Jr. from right tackle to right guard in the offseason, a smart move after George allowed the most pressures (29) at UF since Jean Delance allowed 40 in 2020.
Florida added San Diego State transfer tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, who performed well in the Mountain West but wanted to prove he could play at a high level in the SEC. After starting the season in a rotation at right tackle, Crenshaw-Dickson has improved and established himself as Florida’s every down right tackle. Through six games and 178 pass blocking snaps, Crenshaw-Dickson has allowed zero sacks and three pressures. The 6’7, 322-pound offensive lineman has allowed just one pressure over Florida’s last five games. Crenshaw-Dickson holds the 17th highest pass blocking grade in the FBS, according to PFF.
“I think the biggest thing for me is my mentality,” Crenshaw-Dickson said on how he’s adjusting to the SEC. “Going into games you’ve got to prepare a little bit different from how it was at San Diego State compared to what it is now. Biggest thing for me is the SEC to Mountain West. It’s a different game when you come over here and you’re playing good teams every week, week in and week out. You don’t really get that much in the Mountain West.”
In 2023, Florida allowed at least one sack in every FBS game. Through six games in 2024, the Gators have kept two power four opponents from recording a sack: Mississippi State and UCF. After not allowing a sack in two straight weeks, Tennessee’s talented defensive front was able to get home three times vs UF.
“I think we’ve been playing pretty good this year,” Crenshaw-Dickson said on the offensive line play. “I think there’s definitely some things that we’ve got to work on. Like I said, the sacks this last game is something we’re not looking forward to, and we’ve got to prepare for that and come out next week, same mindset as we’ve been having. No sacks, no sacks, no sacks.”
Crenshaw-Dickson is also Florida’s top graded run blocking offensive tackle and ranks 35th in the FBS.
The Gators’ offensive line will have another challenge in week eight when they face a Kentucky defense that is physical up front and has caused issues for some of the best offenses in the SEC.