Florida Gators LB Brenton Cox Jr. to Wear No. 1 in 2020

Expectations appear to be sky-high for the former Georgia Bulldogs-turned-Florida Gators edge rusher.

The last player to don the illustrious No. 1 jersey for Florida's defense heard their name called with the ninth pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. 

Whether or not linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. can live up to the expectations that cornerback C.J. Henderson set in a Gators uniform has yet to be seen, but he'll be held to similar standards. Cox will wear the No. 1 jersey for Florida in 2020, so long as a season goes on amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Cox transferred to Florida before the 2019 season began, after spending his freshman year at Georgia. Seeing action in 13 games, starting against Texas in the 2018 Sugar Bowl, Cox tallied 20 total tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and three defended passes.

Incoming freshmen Gervon Dexter and linebacker Derek Wingo, notably, have posted their first jersey numbers across social media over the past few days, but it is Cox who has stolen the show. in his flashy No. 1 uniform.

Gervon Dexter's Instagram
Gervon Dexter's Instagram

Cox, 6-4, 247 lbs., listed as a linebacker on Florida's 2019 roster, profiles best as a BUCK rush end in Florida's scheme with the versatility and size to also play strong-side defensive end. Cox is a disruptive edge rusher who has only begun to unlock his toolbox as a young prospect, seeing the field early for Georgia and spending the 2019 season developing on a redshirt.

It will be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Todd Grantham utilizes Cox's skill-set, but regardless, the expectations will be high.


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Zach Goodall
ZACH GOODALL

Zach Goodall is the publisher of AllGators.com on FanNation-Sports Illustrated, serving as a beat reporter covering football, recruiting, and occasionally other sports since 2019.  Before moving to Gainesville, Zach spent four years covering the Jacksonville Jaguars for SB Nation (2015-18) and Locked On Podcast Network (2017-19), originally launching his sports journalism career as a junior in high school. He also covered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for FanNation-Sports Illustrated (2020-22). In addition to writing and reporting, Zach is a sports photographer and videographer who primarily shoots football and basketball games, practices and related events. When time permits in the 24/7 media realm, Zach enjoys road trips, concerts, golf and microbreweries.