Projecting Florida's 2023 EDGE, Defensive Line Depth Charts
Gervon Dexter finished his final regular season with the Gators, in 2022, having taken the field for 637 plays, good for 12th-most of any defensive lineman in the FBS.
After slightly tweaking the front-four alignment under the direction of a new defensive coordinator this offseason, paired with three transfer and five high school additions to the overall unit, it's safe to assume Florida won't depend so highly upon a singular defensive lineman this season compared to last.
Instead, the group will look far different — not only in regards to the playing rotation, but ideally for Florida, also much improved in terms of talent and productivity.
Find All Gators' projection of Florida's defensive line and edge rusher depth charts entering the 2023 season, as well as our other positional predictions to date, below.
Note: Florida is likely to move defensive linemen and edge rushers the coaching staff considers versatile across the Gators' front four. Players shouldn't be considered locked into the positional role they are assigned on All Gators' projected depth chart.
Edge Rushers
Starters: Princely Umanmielen (JACK), Jack Pyburn (F-End)
The edge rusher position underwent comfortable reconstruction during the offseason as it added the strong-side defensive end spot. Now, the group is composed entirely of standup edge rushers and ends.
The two designations are "JACK' (deemed BUCK in the past) and "F" end.
In 2023, the JACK spot will feature a former strong-side defensive end who switched out of necessity when assistant coach Mike Peterson took on both units.
Florida EDGE Princely Umanmielen
Zach Goodall
Princely Umanmielen, a junior with 60 tackles, 13 for loss, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles through 33 contests, will now command a bulk of the snaps at one of the most integral positions in Austin Armstrong's scheme.
JACK is a multifaceted role, requiring whoever plays it to operate versatilely. Not only is he who occupies the spot asked to rush the passer and set the edge against the run, but they’re also expected to drop back in coverage on occasion within the Gators' defensive mold.
Utilizing a creeper system of pressure, members of the second and third levels will neglect their usual duties to create a different look for opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks while defensive linemen bail to help replace the rusher in coverage.
The JACK is frequently the one to drop.
Umanmielen has proven his potential to fulfill that duty well, culminating in a pick-six in the Gators' final scrimmage of fall camp on Friday. It was just one example of the uncanny athleticism he brings to the unit.
“Princely is a freak of nature. He is a freaky athlete,” defensive lineman Cam Jackson said of the Manor, Texas, product on Aug. 17. “Princely can do it all, like I ain’t never seen no edge rusher like it.”
The high praise from Jackson echoes the sentiments of several members of the defensive unit and the coaching staff. As a result, there’s anticipation for Umanmielen to witness a breakout season. He’s positioned to excel while operating as the full-time fixture at JACK.
Sophomore Jack Pyburn, on the other hand, is a newcomer on the field after serving primarily on special teams in eight games a season ago.
He's quickly risen the ranks at the F end spot after an impressive offseason to slot himself as a starter in the absence of Justus Boone after suffering a significant knee injury in fall camp.
Namely, a three-sack performance during the team's first scrimmage of the fall showcased his power and high-motor approach to the position.
Napier commended Pyburn on his drastic progression in the year he's been with the program, pointing toward his work ethic as an example of how he wants players to operate on his team.
"Jack is one of the more impressive young men that we have in terms of work ethic, self-discipline, he's very motivated," Napier said on Aug. 11. "Jack is one of those guys who is at his best when the pads are on. He has a motor, he's tough, he's physical, he plays with effort and he's a smart player. He has the respect of his teammates and the respect of the staff.
"This guy had probably one of the best offseasons, if not the best of any player on our team regarding body composition. He's made significant improvement. He's another good example. He's got that Gator in him. That's what I would tell you. He's going to be a lot of fun to watch."
Key Backup (JACK): TJ Searcy
A trio of true freshmen will be relied upon heavily this year to reinforce Mike Peterson’s unit.
However, of the three, only TJ Searcy will operate primarily behind Umanmielen in Florida’s defense.
A highly regarded prospect by the Florida staff at the prep level, the Thomaston, Ga., native joined the fold as one of the foundational pieces in the Gators' 2023 recruiting class.
At 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, he arrived at Florida already acclimated to the college level from a bodily perspective. His game-ready frame, paired with the limb length to combat opposing offensive linemen and speed to win off the edge, has made him a consistent top performer for the group.
Searcy’s exceeded expectations since arriving in Gainesville, staking his claim for year one playing time in the spring before further solidifying his role with his performance in the summer and fall.
While Umanmielen will serve as the head and shoulders leader at the spot — both in terms of production and usage — Searcy is slated to operate secondarily in his first year. It’s another example of youthful talent being thrust into the spotlight as Napier continues rebuilding the Florida program.
Searcy is the clear-cut key backup in the expected two-man rotation.
Key Backups (F): Kelby Collins, Kamran James
Note: Defensive lineman Tyreak Sapp will also appear in this spot after the loss of Boone, Napier has said. Sapp's role will be covered further in-depth in the defensive line section of this story.
Florida is going to be dependent on young talent during the upcoming campaign. Napier hasn't shied away from prefacing that fact when speaking to media throughout the offseason.
If there is one position set to bets embody the reality of it, F end is it.
Florida EDGE Kelby Collins
Zach Goodall
While a redshirt freshman is set to control starting duties, his relief is more inexperienced than he. True freshman Kelby Collins and Kamran James have emerged as the tandem position coach Mike Peterson will deploy in rotation with Pyburn to supplement the loss of Boone.
First off the bench will be Florida's highest-ranked prospect in the team's No. 13 ranked 2023 recruiting class, per 247Sports Composite.
Collins was a monumental recruiting victory for the Gators in their first full recruiting class under the Napier regime. They plucked him out of the Yellowhammer State despite considerable pressure from Nick Saban and Alabama.
Once he signed, Napier spoke glowingly of what the prized defender could bring to the field immediately as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.
"You just turn the tape on, [Collins is] one of the more polished, ready-to-play players in the country," Napier said on Dec. 21. "Just fundamentally advanced, 6-[foot]-4, 260 pounds, and really a violent player, plays with effort. He's been a leader in this class and certainly, he's going to be here in January and certainly a guy I believe is in prime position to be a difference maker."
He's, accordingly, earned rave reviews in his early practice outings, showcasing the length, power, burst and college-ready polish coveted by powerhouse programs like Alabama and Georgia in the 2023 recruiting cycle.
As a result, he's positioned to command a significant role in the Gators' defense early and often throughout his tenure in Gainesville.
His counterpart, James — while not presenting the same skillset maturity as a prospect — was expected to be a future feature contributor in the unit as a high-upside edge piece.
Since his arrival, he's run on an expedited development track since he first stepped foot on campus and was the first player Napier singled out as one of the young assets to have 'made significant progress" in recent weeks.
It will result in his usage off the bench in 2023 alongside Collins, starting as early as week one.
Reserves: Quincy Ivory, Bryce Capers
Due to his late arrival on campus, JUCO product Quincy Ivory is a relative unknown at this stage.
He committed to UF on June 10 as a transfer from East Los Angeles College. Ivory enrolled in late July.
However, the athleticism he provides at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds is an asset the Gators could look to utilize in various pass-rushing packages. The former quarterback turned edge rusher could be in line to witness an uptick in snaps as the year goes on as he grows more acclimated to the defense and style of play in the SEC.
Alongside Ivory as a reserve, a preferred walk-on talent presents plenty of reason for intrigue.
Florida’s emphasis on bolstering its preferred walk-on roster since Napier’s arrival has the potential to pay dividends for the squad’s depth in 2023.
Jacksonville, Fla. native Bryce Capers has notably moved the needed in the edge rushers’ room.
Capers joined the Gators as a preferred walk-on in the 2022 recruiting class. He redshirted in his first season with the program but saw a surge in action late in the season for Florida following the dismissal of starting JACK Brenton Cox Jr. from the team at just over the halfway point.
He made his collegiate debut against South Carolina before serving as a reserve piece against Florida State. He capped off his rookie season in Gainesville with the most substantial role of his career against Oregon State in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Standing at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, Capers has proven serviceable in the limited showings he’s received. Showcasing impressive length and speed as a versatile talent who can pass rush and operate well in zone coverage — derived from his days as an off-ball linebacker — Capers fits the mold of talent the Gators aspire to acquire in Austin Armstrong’s scheme.
He’ll be stashed in Florida’s bag of JACK edge rushers for the 2023 season as a result, providing a contingency for the spot in case of injury.
He’ll be used sparingly in favor of the athletes on scholarship. Still, Capers possesses the potential to work his way into the rotation as the year rolls on if the opportunity presents itself.
Defensive Line
Starters: Chris McClellan (DT), Cam Jackson (NT)
The two new leading faces on Florida's interior defensive line, each enter the 2023 campaign under a different set of circumstances.
Chris McClellan, a sophomore, is freshly removed from a freshman emergence at UF in which he contributed 23 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery across an average of 21 snaps per game.
His impact was meaningful. Even though he wasn't ready for a first-team workload as a rookie, he gradually provided Florida's thin defensive line with a much-needed reinforcement as the year went on.
Now, he's looking to build upon what Spencer calls his "endless" potential.
Florida DL Chris McClellan
Alex Shepherd
"He’s played a lot of reps — that’s good and bad. Does he get complacent with that? Well, he hasn’t," Spencer said about McClellan on March 23. "He’s trying to take the next step because he knows he needs to improve and play. Now he knows in order to sustain that right to play, he’s got to take his game to the next level.
"It’s just a word we throw around but [McClellan's potential is] endless. He’s got the physical tools, he has a strong lower body, he can pass rush, he can hold the point, he’s 320 pounds, he’s got broad shoulders and he might not fit through that door. But he’s got broad shoulders and a great lower body so we’re excited about him.”
As for Cam Jackson, the junior transfer from Memphis is aiming to prove his worth on a bigger stage before pursuing an NFL career.
By doing so, he presents Florida with immediate nose tackle depth. 2022 starter and 6-foot-5, 435-pound lineman Desmond Watson can now rotate into the lineup based on matchups to remain fresh, or even split the role with Jackson if need be.
In addition to his polish as a run-defending anchor of the front — Jackson produced 41 tackles with 2.5 for loss and a sack as a starter last year, and another 2.5 tackles for loss in rotation the season before — the 6-foot-6, 360-pounder also offers pass-rushing promise. He pressured the opposing quarterback 20 times in 2022.
"Cam, another guy, loves to strike," Boone said about Jackson on Aug. 1. "He's huge, so he takes a lot of space, makes it a little bit easier for me to rush the passer when he closes the pocket.”
Umanmielen shared a similar take on Aug. 3.
"Cam Jackson, he’s a huge guy," Umanmielen expressed. "He can overpower anybody he wants."
Key Backups (DT): Caleb Banks, Tyreak Sapp
Similar to the situation laid out between the starters, Sapp, a redshirt sophomore, is a veteran of Napier's system in Gainesville while redshirt freshman Caleb Banks joined the program as a transfer from Louisville this offseason.
Both figure to primarily offer depth and rotational play behind McClellan at defensive tackle but are certain to move around the front. Sapp, in particular, has notably received practice reps as an edge rusher in the absence of Boone this fall.
Amid the offseason reshaping of the edge rusher and defensive line rooms, Sapp received the latter label. He was an EDGE in high school, but standing at 6-foot-3, 271 pounds in his current form, Florida moved him between the strong-side end and three-technique spots in 2022 and will continue to do so.
"I think the things we'll ask him to do, he's doing a little bit at the other position. And primarily, he's played situationally there in the past," Napier said on Aug. 19.
"So, Sapp's up for the challenge, that's what I would tell you. But I think there's an inventory of things we're going to ask him to do that I think he's very capable of doing. No one has had a better attitude or, you know, brings energy and focus and the right approach to the building every day than that guy."
Sapp has tallied 20 tackles through 13 appearances with UF.
Banks, on the other hand, Banks could reasonably flex between three-technique and nose tackle at 6-foot-6, 323 pounds. Napier has also suggested Banks is capable of aligning as a strong-side end, which he did most with the Cardinals in his very limited playing time.
There, Banks recorded two tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and three quarterback pressures across just 38 defensive snaps. His deployment is guaranteed to increase significantly along Florida's defensive line.
“I feel like we got a lot of rotation. They was telling me and Caleb how they really didn’t have a lot of depth last year," Jackson explained on Aug. 17. "So, I look at it as long as we stop the run and we able to get off the field and bring another group of rotation in, we going to be good.”
Key Backup (NT): Desmond Watson
Watson's endurance was one of the most remarkable aspects of Florida's defensive line play in 2022.
Despite his uniquely big stature, Watson topped 30 defensive snaps in a game eight times and 40 snaps four times, accumulating 25 tackles with 1.5 for loss, and the memorable forced fumble and recovery that led him to stiff-arm South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler.
With McClellan ready for an expanded role and the infusion of Jackson and Banks in mind, Florida can be more strategic with Watson's deployment this season in order to preserve his stamina, something the lack of depth prevented a year ago.
His usage can be matchup-based, particularly against the rush. Opposing running backs might be intimidated by the idea of charging into the 1,143-pound wall that is Watson, Jackson and Banks combined in a three-down front on inside zone and concepts or the like, for example.
But in addition to his overpowering frame, Watson has been commended by numerous teammates for his gridiron acumen and knowledge of the playbook, attributes that only strengthen his overall game.
"That guy is literally a 4-D football player. He can see the football field from all four angles," Sapp remarked regarding Watson on Aug. 9. "He understands what is going on. He understands what the receivers are doing, he understands the sets and he sees it. He has a whole lot of knowledge.
"And people might try to knock him for his physical abilities but the big guy can move, and when he gets rolling, that's a hard person to stop ... He understands that he's a very physical guy and everything he does mentally will come out physically. He plays with his mind and it just shows."
Reserves
- Jamari Lyons, redshirt freshman, 6-foot-4, 308 pounds: One of the Sunshine State's most productive defensive line prospects in recent memory, Lyons compiled 41 sacks and 81 tackles for loss over four seasons at Melbourne (Fla.) Viera, per MaxPreps. Although transfers block his path toward a significantly elevated role, Lyons figures to see his utilization increase after making two tackles in three games as a freshman.
- Will Norman, freshman, 6-foot-4, 293 pounds: Norman first took the gridiron as a sophomore in high school and, pairing that film with impressive performances in the camp setting during a stint with IMG Academy, put him on the national radar and led the Gators to pursue his services. He tallied 11 total tackles with two sacks as a senior at Camden (N.J.) Eastside. "High work ethic, high motor," Sapp described Norman on Aug. 9.
- Jaelin Humphries, redshirt junior, 6-foot-3, 320 pounds: A fifth-year contributor whose UF career has been hampered by injuries, Humphries made a career-high four appearances in 2022 and posted two tackles.
- Gavin Hill, freshman, 6-foot-3, 250 pounds: Hill enrolled at Florida over the summer after a productive career at local Gainesville (Fla.) Buchholz, where he recorded 60 tackles and seven sacks. At his size, he could also occupy a strong-side end role.
Previous Gators 2023 Depth Chart Projections
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