(Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)
The 2009 Florida Gators defensive line depth chart is one of the most impressive in the nation. The roster is splitting at the seams with talent and experience.
Linemen as far down as third string have had starting experience in their careers and the fresh faces taking over are bursting with ability.
It is an embarrassment of riches for the UF faithful, and one opposing offenses would rather be distributed to the rest of the NCAA.
With so much depth and such a frequent rotation of players, the line between starter and backup is thinner than a single Olsen twin.
Since so many guys will get meaningful playing time, it is best to preview the D-line like a buffet dinner, so that no one is left out. However, this is not a Golden Corral buffet, but a royal banquet.
Wine - Jermaine Cunningham, DE (Sr), Lawrence Marsh, DT (R-Jr)
A great dinner starts with a fine beverage, and a strong, aged wine is capable of bringing the entire meal together.
Members of the historic 2006 recruiting class that featured Tebow, Spikes, and Harvin, these two defenders took some time to reach their potential.
Cunningham has grown from a scrawny 6’4” 196-pound pass rusher to a sturdy 252-pound SEC defensive end in his four years in Gainesville, while Marsh has battled injuries and fought like a dog for every minute of playing time.
Whether it be in the form of statistical achievements on the field, or discussions and advice in the film room, their experience and leadership will lay the foundation for a supremely talented front four.
Roast – Carlos Dunlap, DE (Jr)
This is the heart of the banquet, the pièce de résistance. Dunlap is without question the most promising player on the defensive line, perhaps on the entire team. Despite only starting two games in 2008, he lead the team with 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
Dunlap combines a massive frame (6’7” 290 lbs.) with such speed that in high school he returned kicks, and after watching the video of this behemoth taking it to the house, it is clear why the defensive line centers around Dunlap’s play.
After sizzling in the rotisserie of spring and fall practice, coaches are excited by his new work ethic and commitment to getting better.
He has stated his goal is to break the Florida single season sack record of 13 held by Alex Brown, and if he does, he’ll never have to pay for a meal again in Gainesville.
Mashed Potatoes – Terron Sanders DT (R-Jr), Justin Trattou DT/DE (Jr)
Ah, potatoes, the bulk that rounds out a meal and provides much needed filler. Without a good starch, a fine meal will seem lacking and incomplete.
Likely not to overwhelm the rest the entrée, Trattou and Sanders provide quality production and back up the bigger stars on the defense.
They are the lesser known contributors that take on blocks and free up blitzing linebackers, while also strengthening the overall infrastructure of the D-line.
Trattou is nearly invaluable to the Florida scheme, as he is thick enough to play Tackle or quick enough to provide help at End, depending on what the situation is.
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