247 with nice story about coach Chatman and the pass rush: 240938611/https://247sports.com/college/flori...hts-george-gumbs-flag-billy-napier-240938611/ Just going by the clips we saw in spring, I know most of us were impressed by Chatman. I guess we were right. I really liked this section. I think we're just starting to establish a dominate pass rush. Next year could be crazy good. "Among them are junior edge rushers Tyreak Sapp and George Gumbs and junior defensive tackle Caleb Banks, who rank first, second and third among Florida players in sacks this season, respectively, as well as sophomore edge rusher Kamran James and freshman edge rusher LJ McCray, who rank first and second, respectively, in quarterback hurries. The Gators also hold four defensive line commitments in the 2025 class, including a pair of four-star edge rushers. And Chatman will continue to motivate."
Harris seems to have been a good add also. CBs have been good this year minus a million injuries. I'm not sure who's actually coaching the S if it's Harris or Armstrong but they sucked early on and have improved significantly over the course of the season.
Not just the DL but it seems the LBs and DBs have greater freedom to crash the line and backfield than I previously remember.
Even though FSU's Oline sucks (thanks to the lineman they poached from us) 8 sacks in a game is really good. Improvement all around including better coverage in the secondary.
This is what I see more than anything, the effort and intensity to rally to the ball is different. We don't have guys jogging behind plays, we have dudes trying to make our opponents feel them every play. Even our secondary has started to get in on the hitting. Gates and Bridges lead the way there, but it's rubbed off on Denson and Castell, who I thought at times would shy away from contact. To play star and be effective, you gotta be willing to make tackles at the line of scrimmage and we haven't had that since CGJ. I dont see what coaches see and I'm not a scout, just watch games, but I wonder why Denson doesn't play outside more with bridges playing star. Bridges is a better safety than corner, so you would think Star would fit his style better? Maybe Denson can't hold up as well outside idk.
I despaired after the Miami and A&M games, thinking we were once again saddled with a defense that couldn't get off the field. This turn around has been remarkable. I love it!! Defense wins championships. Kudos to our coaching staff.
The depth is really amazing. We have had plenty of good defensive lines in the past but I'm not sure I can remember this many players contributing. Our 2006 team that won the national championship basically played 5 guys down the stretch once Marcus Thomas was gone - Moss, Harvey, McDonald, Cohen, and Harris. There was some future talent on the bench but they basically didn't play. On this team I'm counting plus or minus 11 DL who play.
Other than the fsu game I haven't really noticed a bunch of one on one wins by the line. As you said, seems like a bunch of sacks have come from relentless pursuit which also means good coverage from the secondary. That first game against miami may have been one of the most pathetic efforts from a d-line I've ever seen. Not that they weren't trying but they were absolutely stonewalled over and over again.
What stands out the most to me was the LSU game. They came into the Swamp giving up 6 sacks. The Gators got 7 in that game. Crazy good.
When you look at the season as a whole, the defense may certainly be improved for 2025, statistically. I think UF will finish the year giving up aro 400 ypg, but starting with TN and if one subtracts Texas, the improvement has been remarkable. Especially front 7 play. Really everywhere. Frankly, given the nightmares of Mullens last year and Billys first two and a 1/3, it is so satisfying to see the defense as being able to control the outcome of a game, and not just be a helpless fawn in the woods, abandoned by it's mother. FSU was the icing on the cake, from can't rush or stop anyone to absolutely eating them alive!
