Gators DL Room: Stacking the Trenches

One Last Ride

Florida lost defensive lineman Cam Jackson to the NFL after a stellar season in the Orange and Blue. However, his running mate decided that he had some unfinished business. Rising Senior Caleb Banks knew that this year’s team had a chance to be special. After transferring over from Louisville, Banks had a solid albeit unspectacular first year in Gainesville. After working out hard all offseason, he proved that he belonged in the SEC. With seven tackles for loss and four-and-a-half sacks, he made his presence felt up front. Having his best career games against top-notch competition (LSU and Ole Miss), he showed up in the big moments. NFL scouts have their eye on this young man as a potential breakout candidate. Playing his best ball at the end of the year, he showed first-round traits. A true veteran, he will be the leader of this interior defensive line.

The Gators continued the trend of stacking the defensive line, as Tyreak Sapp announced his return. The Redshirt Senior patiently waited his turn, never leaving the program despite a lack of early playing time. Finally breaking through, he had an impressive season with seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Rated as the highest Florida player by Pro Football Focus, scouts have begun taking notice. Viewed as a mid-round pick, he decided to return to Gainesville to boost his draft stock. A true Gator, he noted that the entire team has unfinished business, and expectations for this group are high. Already excelling in his leadership role, he will be the face of this unit of edge rushers. After stacking the trenches, the defensive line has quickly turned into a strength for the Gators.

Back from Injury

A forgotten name by many Florida fans, Redshirt Junior Jamari Lyons is back with a chip on his shoulder. Expected to contribute heavily last season, he broke his ankle during a scrimmage, missing the entire year. Now back and finally healthy, Lyons is in line for a starting role. In his last season of action, he had 20 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. A four-star recruit out of high school, he now has the chance to live up to his projection. Moving well during Spring Practice, he is proving his resilience. Despite the loss of Cam Jackson, the Gators opted not to bring in a transfer defensive tackle. Clearly confident in Lyons’ abilities, the Gators will be leaning on him. If he can retain his previous form, this defensive tackle unit should be one of the best in the SEC.

Breakout Season?

When LJ McCray committed to the Gators, fans were ecstatic. A 5-star recruit, he was viewed as the number one player at his position. Now entering his sophomore season, fans are hoping he can show off his five-star abilities. During his freshman season, he saw action in all 13 games. Totaling 13 tackles and one tackle for loss, he was able to get a feel for SEC football. After stacking the line of scrimmage, this is a deep position group for the Gators. There is no guarantee that McCray will earn a starting job. However, he will be an instant contributor and has the early chance to live up to his ranking. Coming off the edge, he has the size and the tools to make an impact on this team. Listed at 6′-6″ and 267 pounds, the 19-year-old has everything a team wants in an elite edge rusher.

Finished Strong

An underrated pickup from last offseason was edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. Transferring in from Northern Illinois, he was not viewed as an elite prospect. However, he had quite an impact on this unit as the season progressed. Starting three games and appearing in all 13, he finished the year with eight tackles for loss and five sacks. Adding 35 tackles and four quarterback hurries, he was filling up the stat sheet. Now returning for his redshirt senior season, he has the chance to really prove himself in the SEC. A fan favorite (thanks to planting the flag against FSU), he should fill the void left by Jack Pyburn. This entire group has a chance to be one of the best in the SEC. If Florida wants to meet their lofty expectations, the defensive line must bring physicality from the very first whistle.