Florida football: Pre-Season Gators’ defensive depth chart
By Ty Butler
Defensive Line
Florida football’s defensive line unit has lost a few key pieces in Jonathan Greenard and Jabari Zuniga; however, the returning talent should compromise the significant departures.
Todd Grantham will have a lot to work with, thanks to the depth and versatility that each player provides and we should see a number of rotations based on down, distance, and situation.
The coaching staff will use the numerous degree of options to create confusion and disruption. This is something that Grantham has used to route his success in the game of football.
The Gators’ 3-4 scheme has proven to be successful in two years and allows for players to play to their strengths.
Greenard took his role as buck and completely ran with it last season.
The position is an advocate for players with the combination of deceptive speed and strength to flourish.
Brenton Cox will be asked to take on this unique role in Grantham’s scheme.
Cox is a physical defender that can use his strength to fight off pulling lineman but is athletic enough to set the edge and force running backs inside.
At defensive end, we can assume that Zachary Carter will be the leading man.
The 6’4, 263-pound defensive end accounted for 4.5 sacks last season, but it’s safe to say that expectations will increase as he takes on the starting role.
In-between buck and defensive end sit the two defensive tackles: three-technique and nose tackle.
It’s pretty clear that TJ Slaton and Kyree Campbell will be manning the ship here.
Both will be returning from a mediocre year that happened to see flashes of greatness. If the unit wants to improve, we must see the two develop a high-motor, which can be difficult when you’re carrying around 200+ pounds.
Overall, the defensive line will showcase a number of players who spent time behind better talent in recent years.
Now, it’s time to prove to the coaching staff that the defense can indeed lean on the group to win football games.