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Florida football: Outside linebackers for the 2022 season

By Benjamin Henderson

Florida Gators linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. (1) sacks UCF Knights quarterback Mikey Keene (16). The Gators lead 10-9 over the Central Florida Knights at the half in the Gasparilla Bowl Thursday, December 23, 2021, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner]2021Oca 122324 Ufvsucfgasbowl
Florida Gators linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. (1) sacks UCF Knights quarterback Mikey Keene (16). The Gators lead 10-9 over the Central Florida Knights at the half in the Gasparilla Bowl Thursday, December 23, 2021, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner]2021Oca 122324 Ufvsucfgasbowl /
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Brenton Cox Jr.

It was a pleasant surprise this offseason when Cox opted to return to Gainesville rather than bolt for the NFL draft.

Billy Napier and crew won’t mind having the 6-3, 253 pound presence in their linebacker’s room.

Cox’s versatility is that he can be an edge rusher in a 4-3 scheme or can be a OLB in a 3-4.

Last year he fought through injuries and was at his best when his primary task was as an edge rusher in a passing situation.

Cox racked up eight sacks last year, but seven of those came in the final four games after the dismissal of Todd Grantham.

In the run game, Cox was prone last year to be dealt with by pulling guards. Whether it was a case of him needing to be more physical or a case where he just needed to take a better angle, Cox wasn’t credited with more than two unassisted tackles in any game prior to the late season tilt vs Missouri.

Cox is still one of the leaders of this group and if he can continue the streak he had to end last season, he is going to shoot up NFL draft boards in 2023.

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