Billy Napier gives his impressions of Florida's D-line rotation
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One of the Gators’ biggest concerns heading into the 2022 season was their lack of the depth along the defensive line, particularly in the interior.
Through the first two weeks, a few young players have emerged in Florida’s rotation and provided some quality snaps at the position.
UF coach Billy Napier complimented Sean Spencer’s group on Monday for making strides in the SEC opener.
“I thought we took a step forward in this past game,” Napier said. “I thought some of the young players, you really saw week 1 to week 2 improvement. And you think about for them in their career, it was game one to game two improvement. So, we’re starting to get better play from some of that second tier.”
Three players in particular have been Justus Boone, Tyreak Sapp and Desmond Watson. Boone has played 15-plus snaps in each game, grading out as Florida’s three-best defensive player against Utah according to Pro Football Focus and coming up with a huge sack on Kentucky quarterback Will Levis.
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Sapp and Watson both played 20-plus snaps in the first two weeks. Sapp had three tackles in each game and a quarterback hurry last Saturday, while Watson graded out as Florida’s second-best defensive player according to PFF behind Gervon Dexter Sr. Dexter’s snap count dropped from 68 to 45 in Week 2, and he made seven tackles, a half sack, a pass breakup and an interception against Kentucky.
“I thought Gervon in particular really was significantly better in the game,” Napier said. “When I say that, I’m talking about alignment, discipline, fundamentals. Across the board there we were much improved.”
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In other Florida football news
- Give Me Five: Gators Online provides a breakdown of the Gators’ loss to Kentucky.
- The kickoff time was announced on Monday for Florida’s rivalry game at Tennessee.
- Billy Napier provides an updated timeline on Jack Miller’s return from thumb surgery.
- LOOK: Kentucky football served alligator at Monday’s team dinner after beating UF.
UF recruiting roundup
- A multi-day visit to Florida went “really well” for the nation’s No. 1 EDGE Keon Keeley.
- An elite 2024 Gators legacy Elijah Rushing sets return trip to his father’s alma mater.
- An SEC commit “can’t wait” to meet Jabbar Juluke when he officially visits the Gators.
- Florida offensive lineman commit Knijeah Harris is set for his first UF game this season.
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