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Florida Edge Princely Umanmielen to Wear No. 1 in 2023

Gators edge rusher Princely Umanmielen has switched from No. 33 to No. 1 ahead of the 2023 season.

Brandon Carroll

Alex Shepherd
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Position isn’t the only change Florida Gators edge rusher Princely Umanmielen will undergo prior to the 2023 season.

The rising junior will also move from the No. 33, which he’s worn for all four seasons in Gainesville and in high school, in favor of No. 1.

The move comes as a result of Umanmielen’s request, rather than the previous process of rewarding a player with the number, as head coach Billy Napier doesn’t look to maintain the merit-based history of No. 1.

Brenton Cox Jr. held the number on defense from 2020-2022. Wideout Ricky Pearsall enters his second year with the number on the offensive side of the ball for Florida.

As a sophomore, Umanmielen proved efficient from his strong side defensive end spot, accounting for 39 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

He’s garnered lofty preseason expectations as a potential All-SEC caliber talent and a fast riser in the upcoming NFL Draft as a result. Umanmielen looks to build on his flashes of excellence in recent years to produce a complete, breakout season in 2023.

As the new full-time starter at JACK, the Manor, Texas, native will get an opportunity to showcase his skillset as a standup pass rusher in the Gators newly aggressive system under Austin Armstrong. It could pay dividends for his impact on a defense attempting to resurge in the upcoming campaign.

Umanmielen joins three returning players to change their numbers from a season ago, including wide receiver Caleb Douglas (4, from 12), tight end Arlis Boardingham (8, from 81) and walk-on defensive back Cahron Rackley (32, from 38).

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Brandon Carroll
BRANDON CARROLL

Brandon Carroll is a recent graduate of the University of Florida. He serves as the lead reporter for the Florida Gators FanNation-Sports Illustrated website, covering football, basketball and recruiting. When he isn't hard at work, he enjoys listening to music, playing flag football and basketball, spending time with his friends and family, and watching an array of television shows. Follow him on Twitter @itsbcarroll.

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