Five Gators named to Preseason Coaches All-SEC Teams
Five Florida Gators were named to the Preseason Coaches All-SEC Team, the conference announced Tuesday.
The group was led by O’Cyrus Torrence, the only player on the first team. Torrence was also named a Second Team Associate Press preseason All-American.
Brenton Cox Jr. and Gervon Dexter Sr. were named to the second team. Trey Dean III and Ventrell Miller were on the third team.
Torrence collects another preseason honor as he was named a Preseason All-American by the AP, Phil Steele, Sporting News, and Walter Camp. A transfer from Louisiana, he was a Shaun Alexander Freshman All-American and a two-time Joe Moore Award Semifinalist. The 2021 First Team All-Sun Belt selection, Torrence helped the Ragin’ Cajuns offense ranked tied 10th nationally and first in the Sun Belt in rushing touchdowns (34), tied 18th in the country in total touchdowns (58), conference leaders and tied 23rd nationally in first downs (313).
Leading the defense, Cox Jr. owned team-best in TFLs (14.5), sacks (8.5) and quarterback hurries (12). Starting all 13 games last year, he posted back-to-back games against Florida State and UCF with 4.0 TFLs totaling a loss of 48 yards. In the final five games of the 2021 season, Cox Jr. had 20 tackles, 11 TFLs, seven sacks and six QBHs.
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Also adding another preseason accolade, Dexter Sr. was named a Preseason All-American by Sporting News and Walter Camp. He started nine games and appeared in all 13 while ranking fifth in tackles with 51. The junior had 12 multi-tackle performances, including two games with nine vs. Alabama and UCF. He finished ranking second on the team with seven quarterback hurries.
Named to the Butkus Award Watch List, Miller returns after missing the majority last year due to injury. He has played in 38 career games for the Orange and Blue posting 166 tackles, 15 TFLs, 7.5 sacks and six pass breakups. The Lakeland, Fla. native also is a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient and SEC Defensive Player of the Week. In his freshman season, he recorded an 82-yard interception return for a touchdown against Idaho for the ninth-longest in school history.
Rounding out the Gator selections, Dean III led the team in tackles (91) and pass breakups (9). A four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member, he had 12 multi-tackle games, including three outings with 11. In his four seasons with Florida he has accounted for 178 career tackles, 20 pass breakups, nine TFLs, 4.5 sacks and four interceptions.
