Florida football: 3 reasons to be excited about the defense in 2021
By Jeremy Klump
![Sep 21, 2019; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) runs out of the tunnel prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Sep 21, 2019; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) runs out of the tunnel prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/bd1a56d786bc4f26238e698d995995e917c1a650118b43241213733b6eba791c.jpg)
2. Florida football fans should be excited for Brenton Cox Jr., Ventrell Miller, and the Front-7
Florida has always been known to have some DUDES on the defensive line or at linebacker, but they didn’t really have that guy last year. Luckily for them in 2021, Florida has a few guys that can count on, but two, in particular, that really excite me.
Let’s start with a player I’ve been hyping up all offseason, Brenton Cox Jr. The former five-star Georgia transfer had a solid year last year, but he hasn’t really broken out like many expected him to. I think that he is poised to have a dominant year as a pass rusher for the Gators, and he will be a monster for them in 2021.
Having Cox on the edge and getting after the opposing quarterback each and every play will be huge for the Gators’ defense. I expect that after Cox’s impressive year, he will go in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Another player that will go in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft is linebacker Ventell Miller. I was surprised Miller returned for another season in Gainesville, but Gators fans should be pumped up about it. Miller is the leader of the defense, and he must feel like there is unfinished business after last year’s poor showing.
Cox and Miller highlight a solid front seven that has depth and players that can contribute. Florida should have one of the best front sevens in college football this year, with Cox and Miller leading the way.