Five Gators I want to receive more snaps in week four vs Mississippi State.
FR DL Michai Boireau
True freshman defensive lineman Michai Boireau has received between 12-18 snaps in every game this season with a majority of the work coming in ‘garbage time’ late in games. However, Boireau has impressed in every game and has steadily improved since stepping foot in Gainesville. The 6’4.5, 351-pound nose tackle appears to have a quicker first step off the line of scrimmage compared to other players at his position and can effectively take on a double team. Boireau seems to have that extra juice when he’s on the gridiron and plays with proper fundamentals. I’d like to see his role expand moving forward.
FR Edge LJ McCray
Florida’s pass rush has been abysmal through three weeks and the No.1 defensive lineman in the 2024 class has been sidelined for the overwhelming majority of defensive snaps. Through three games, McCray has just 36 snaps including 16 against Samford. The Gators are searching for more help at edge as Justus Boone’s snap count has decreased in every game this season. McCray has only had 10 opportunities to rush the QB in 2024 and holds the 2nd best pressure grade behind Tyreak Sapp, who should also be on the field more often. The one thing McCray has shown this season is effort, which in itself should earn him more playing time.
R-SR Safety Trikweze Bridges
Florida’s safety unit has been the worst position group on defense through three games. Redshirt senior Trikweze Bridges grades as Florida’s best safety by a large margin despite logging just 66 snaps. Bridges has allowed just two catches for nine yards including zero yards after the catch. The 6’2.5, 200-pound corner turned safety has the 3rd best coverage grade on the Gators’ defense.
Bridges was having a strong game vs Texas A&M before being removed on a ridiculous targeting penalty in the first half. Bridges has displayed good man coverage skills, instincts, and play recognition in minimal opportunities.
SO RB Treyaun Webb
Sophomore running back Treyaun Webb is coming off what could be his best game as a Gator against Texas A&M. The 5’11, 211 pound back had six carries for 37 yards, which did not include an 11-yard run that was called back after a review.
Montrell Johnson and Graham Mertz had several miscommunications last week which resulted in drives stalling out. When Webb was in the game Florida’s offense was moving behind tough runs from the Jacksonville native.
Webb moves better in space then you might think and has the ability to run right through opposing defenders. Webb is also Florida’s most polished pass blocker, which should earn him more playing time for a Gators’ offense that’s struggling to keep the quarterback standing.
R-JR DL Tyreak Sapp
This one could be a stretch because Sapp is playing a fairly significant role already, but the 6’2.5, 272-pound defensive end has been Florida’s most consistent defensive lineman despite ranking 6th on the defensive line in snaps.
Sapp leads the Gators in pressures (7) and sacks (2) while holding a ‘win rate’ of 11.1%, tied for the highest amongst Gators’ defensive linemen. Sapp has also been sound in the run game, ranking 7th on the team in run defense while displaying the ability to set the edge.