With the season around the corner and fall camp underway, Gator Country gives you an in-depth breakdown of the position groups and a projected depth chart.
DE/OLB
The Gators were good at getting to the QB last season, ranking 1st in the SEC in pressure rate and 3rd in sack rate, according to SEC Stat Cast. The Gators are looking to fill the shoes of Zachary Carter (NFL) and Khris Bogle (transfer), and Jeremiah Moon (graduate) this season.
The edge rushers are a group that may surprise people this season. However, they will need to rely on inexperienced players in order to succeed.
Brenton Cox
Brenton Cox added to an offseason of exciting news when he announced his return for his fifth collegiate season. The outside linebacker tallied 8.5 sacks last season, 41 tackles, and four pass deflections last season. We’ve all seen what Cox is capable of doing, but can he do it consistently? Cox struggled at the start of last season, registering just 1.5 sacks in the first nine games. Cox went on to sack the QB in each of the last four games, totaling seven sacks during that span. Cox put on one of the most dominating performances in college football last season where he led the Gators to a victory over the Seminoles by sacking the FSU quarterback’s four times and forcing a fumble. Cox has been vocal about playing through injuries last season, claiming he is now fully healthy. If Cox can stay healthy and produce like he did in the 2nd half of last season, he will prove why he’s worthy of his preseason All-SEC 2nd team selection.
Princely Umanmielen
Buzz around the 6-5, 245-pound defensive end arrived this offseason when a video surfaced of Umanmielen squatting 700 pounds. However, that shouldn’t be the only reason you are excited about Umanmielen. Umanmielen has progressed nicely throughout his first two seasons as a Gator. Umanmielen has put a major emphasis on his body ever since arriving in Gainesville. When he arrived on campus, he quickly realized that he needed to get bigger, stronger, and faster. Umanmielen played in just six games his freshman season, gathering two tackles for loss and two sacks in that time. He progressed a year later and was able to contribute in all 13 games for the Gators, collecting 17 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Umanmielen appears to be in the best shape of his life at the best possible time for the Gators, as they will need a productive season from him off the edge. Umanmielen is projected to start opposite of Brenton Cox this season. Umanmielen could be in for a big season as Gervon Dexter and Brenton Cox will draw lots of attention along the defensive line, creating an easier path for Umanmielen to get to the quarterback.
Tyreak Sapp
Sapp is another player along the defensive line that Gator fans should be excited to watch entering the 2022 season. Sapp redshirted last season as he didn’t appear in any games along the defensive line. Sapp stands at 6-3, 263 pounds and is one of the most versatile defensive linemen in the Gators unit, which is exciting due to the lack of depth across the line. Having players you can move around is a huge benefit when you lack the depth you desire. Sapp has been battling an injury early in fall camp and has been in a non-contact jersey until recently. Sapp appears to be getting healthier which is great news for the Gators as they are counting on him to receive significant snaps this season.
Lloyd Summerall
The Gators OLB is looking to make his first significant impact for Florida this season. The redshirt junior did appear in 12 games last season but was only able to muster 5 tackles and 0.5 sacks. The issue with Summerall during his first three seasons was that his body just wasn’t ready for SEC football. Going into year four Summerall looks to be in a lot better shape. He’s currently listed as 6-5, 231 pounds, according to Florida. Summerall may still be on the lighter side for an edge rusher in the SEC, however, he has put on a lot of muscle and looks like he is ready to contribute. Summerall has been seen taking reps with the 2nd-team in fall camp.
Antwaun Powell-Ryland
Powell is another player you will see in the rotation at OLB in 2022. Powell appeared in 12 games last season, collecting 5 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Justus Boone
Boone was effective in the only two games he played in last season for the Gators. The defensive end registered two tackles and a half sack against Vanderbilt and had a TFL in the Gasparilla Bowl vs UCF. Boone is listed at 6-4, 260 pounds.
Projected Depth Chart
OLB
Starter- Brenton Cox
Backup- Lloyd Summerall or Antwuan Powell-Ryland
DE
Starter- Princely Umanmielen
Backup- Tyreak Sapp or Justus Boone
Other players that could contribute as OLB/edge rushers this year include Chief Borders, David Reese, and Scooby Williams.
Consistency from Brenton Cox and the emergence of another star are two things to look for with the Gators edge rushers this season.