The Florida Gators’ defense made significant strides in 2024, finishing the season ranked 11th nationally in sacks per game (3.0). The team showed improvement across nearly every statistical category compared to 2023, most notably increasing their total sacks from 22 to 39. This defensive resurgence was largely driven by the EDGE position group, particularly Tyreak Sapp and George Gumbs Jr., who combined for 12 sacks and will both return for the 2025 season.
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Sapp established himself as the defensive anchor in 2024, posting impressive numbers that included seven sacks and 13 tackles-for-loss for 48 yards. His performance earned him the team’s highest defensive grade at 90.0 overall (PFF), ranking him third among SEC edge defenders and ninth in the FBS. His well-rounded game was evident in his strong grades in both run defense (87.1) and pass rush (81.5).
While Sapp’s return provides stability, the EDGE position has seen significant turnover through the transfer portal. Several players, including Justus Boone (Arkansas), Jack Pyburn (LSU), T.J. Searcy (Texas A&M), and Quincy Ivory (Jacksonville State), have departed for other programs.
Head coach Billy Napier addressed these changes in a recent episode of Gators Breakdown, noting, “That was probably one of the deeper positions. The EDGE position was extremely deep. The strength of that unit was the, they were, they were fresh. We rotated those guys. They were extremely productive.” He acknowledged the challenge of managing the roster, adding, “It’s hard to make them all happy with their role in the team, with the way you allocate money.”
Despite the departures, Napier remains optimistic about the position group’s future. “We added Jalen Wiggins. We added Kofi (Asare), Jayden Woods, we’re excited about him,” he explained. “We’ve got a good mixture of players. You know, the young talent in that room is impressive. Kam James, LJ McCray.” The coach also highlighted the position flexibility of players like Pup Howard and Aaron Chiles.
One newcomer generating particular excitement is Kofi Asare. In a recent press conference, Napier praised his development: “Kofi is off to a good start and he’s added 12 to 15 pounds. Played really good against the three SEC teams. He’s 85 wing(span)… a lot of length there and just really good movements. Good athlete, can play in space.” Drawing a promising comparison, Napier described Asare as “Gumbs-ish” and commended his work ethic, noting, “He’s brought a lot… he’s a worker.”
With a strong foundation built around returning stars Sapp and Gumbs Jr., previous five-star recruit L.J. McCray, and promising newcomers like Asare, the Gators’ EDGE position appears poised for continued success in 2025. Though transfer portal departures initially raised concerns, strategic additions and developing young talent suggest the unit will maintain its defensive momentum as one of the nation’s top pass-rushing teams from 2024.
The blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent points to another potentially strong year for Florida’s defensive front. As spring practice approaches, all eyes will be on how this reconstructed EDGE group builds upon last season’s breakthrough performance.
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