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Florida’s defensive line remains productive despite injuries
By Sean Labar
Published:
Florida faced a lot of adversity throughout the season.
Starting QB Will Grier was suspended early for taking a banned substance and Treon Harris has yet to prove himself as a reliable replacement.
By the end of the season, injury decimated the Gators on both sides of the ball. They still won’t be anywhere close to fully healthy in the SEC Championship against Alabama.
But if there was one consistent bright spot for Florida, it was the defensive line.
The Gators boasted the No.4 defense in the country. That was largely due to the defensive front stuffing opposing run games and creating havoc in the passing game. Florida gave up just 4.41 points per game during the regular season.
So why was the Florida defensive line so good?
There wasn’t just one dominant playmaker. Each Saturday, it seemed like someone else took the reigns and shined.
Alex McCalister, who finished with 7.5 sacks, may be the best of the bunch. Jon Bullard was probably the best against the run, racking up 52 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
Opposite McCalister, Bryan Cox Jr. isn’t flashy but makes plays on a regular basis. Joey Ivie was also productive, adding four sacks on the year.
At the end of the season, the Gators’ depth was tested. McCalister got hurt. So did Ivie and rotational defensive end Jordan Sherit.
But replacements, including freshman end CeCe Jefferson, stepped in and were productive.
Florida’s defensive success began with the defensive line.
“That’s why linebackers are making plays,” linebacker Antonio Morrison told the Palm Beach Post of opposing offenses doubling Florida’s defensive linemen. “That’s why you’ve got a good defense. That’s how it works.”
Florida will be without McCalister in the SEC Championship. While he will be missed, the Gators’ defense should create pressure with Jefferson.
Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.
