Grading the Florida Gators: Defensive Line

September 3 is right around the corner, which means Florida football season is in sight. The Gators will soon be taking newly named, Steve Spurrier-Florida Field for the first time.

As we impatiently await the arrival of football season, Gator Country will grade all of Florida’s position groups to get a better idea of where each group stands coming into the 2016 season.

Last time we covered Florida’s secondary; we will continue this series by taking a look at the defensive line.

The Gators’ stellar secondary has been stealing the show for some time now, but this season the defensive line looks to steal some of that attention for themselves. The heart and soul of the Florida defense could very well lie in the defensive line in 2016. With that being said, there are two great talents who must be replaced. With Jon Bullard gone, there is a huge hole in the middle of the line that needs to be filled. Florida’s top pass rusher from 2015, Alex McCalister, is gone to the NFL as well.

POSITION GROUP GRADE: A

Florida’s stout defensive line has a chance to be one of the very best in the country this season, earning them an A. Even after losing a couple of key players, it seems the Gators have plenty of options as fall approaches. A few unproven guys with great potential will have to step in, but there will be no lack of talent or depth on the defensive line this year for Florida.

Defensive Tackles

Caleb Brantley and CeCe Jefferson are elite players on the defensive line and both appear ready to have outstanding seasons for the Gators. They will have to combine to be what Bullard was the last couple of seasons. Jefferson lived up to the hype in his freshman season, totaling 3.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. He is a very similar player to Bullard, as they both possess the unique ability to play the interior or the edge. He is completely buying into the versatility that is expected from him. At 6’2, 300 pounds, Brantley is a game changer and a potential first-round draft pick. He is another three-down lineman who can stop the run or rush the passer. Brantley has no weaknesses, with a rare combination of speed, quickness, and strength. He will be double-teamed most of the time.

Senior Joey Ivie, is one of the hardest workers on the team. Health has been a concern with him in the past, as he missed time last season with a hernia and continued to recover from surgery this spring. He is set to have his best season yet for Florida if he can stay healthy. Joey Ivie and Khairi Clark are both run stoppers more than pass rushers, but Ivie does have the quickness and agility to occasionally apply some pressure to opposing quarterbacks. At 6’2, 326 pounds, Clark is a true run-stopping nose tackle.

Another tackle who could make an impact for the Gators this season is redshirt sophomore Taven Bryan. Bryan’s nonstop motor and quickness are his biggest assets. He and Clark are both lacking in game experience, but have potential to be great on the interior for Florida. Ivie’s younger brother, Andrew Ivie, will add some depth behind those guys.

Defensive Ends

Two steady veterans who have been in the program for a very long time will take over the reins this season at defensive end, along with Jefferson, who will likely be moving in and out. Redshirt senior Bryan Cox Jr. has the best motor and work ethic of the entire defensive lineman, according to defensive line coach, Chris Rumph. He did not fail to impress this spring, as he was nearly unstoppable coming off the edge. Jordan Sherit is a very similar player to Cox. Both have struggled with injuries and are looking to have a much bigger impact this season. If both can stay healthy, they could possibly be the best defensive end duo in the SEC.

There is not a lot of experience behind those three guys, but there is a lot of young talent. Expect as many as six-to-eight different guys to rotate at defensive end for the Gators. Keivonnis Davis and Justus Reed have seen limited time on the field so far for Florida, but more production is expected from them this season. Davis gave up his redshirt to help out the depleted defensive line in the last four games of the 2015 season, and performed admirably, holding his own against big time competition. He really emerged this spring as one of the top contenders behind Cox and Sherit. Redshirt freshman Jabari Zuniga made a splash this spring as well and should be in the mix.

Antonneous Clayton is expected to get immediate playing time as a true freshman. Clayton could play a similar role to that of CeCe Jefferson last season, as mainly a third down guy. He has been compared to former Gator, Dante Fowler, with his lightning quick first step off the edge and great body control.

There are so many options at defensive end for Florida, which will keep guys fresh as they rotate throughout the game. The Gators are going to get to the quarterback a lot this season.

Looking Ahead

The players are really buying into Coach Rumph’s innovative coaching style as he heads into his second season with Florida. The defensive line is loaded with talent, and is arguably the deepest unit on the team. The Gators are set up to have an excellent pass rush this season and should take a step forward in stopping the run if the interior guys can stay healthy. There are several players on the defensive line who are working to have their name called on the first night of the NFL Draft after this season. This group has enough experience and depth to have a very good season.

Coming up next, linebackers.

Bailiegh Carlton
A lifelong sports fan, Bailiegh Carlton knew from a young age that she wanted to work in sports in some capacity. Before transferring to the University of Florida to study journalism, she played softball at Gulf Coast State College. She then interned for Gator Country for three years as she worked toward her degree. After graduation, Bailiegh decided to explore other opportunities in the world of sports, but all roads led her right back here. In her time away, she and her husband welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. When she isn't working, she can almost always be found snuggled up with sweet baby Ridley, Cody and her four fur babies.