Florida Football: Chris Rumph Will Keep the Gators DL Elite

Well, the Terrell Williams era at Florida was short and—if defensive end CeCe Jefferson eventually signs his letter of intent—sweet.

Williams, who was named the defensive line coach of the Gators shortly after Jim McElwain was hired, left to take a job with the NFL's Miami Dolphins after only a few weeks in Gainesville. On Friday, McElwain named his replacement according to a release from Florida—former Texas defensive line coach Chris Rumph.

"Chris and I obviously have some experience working together from our days at Alabama," said McElwain in the release. "He joins a group of like thinkers on our staff and is someone who will positively affect our players’ lives—both on and off the field."

It's a fantastic hire for McElwain.

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Rumph will bring boatloads of positive experience to Gainesville.

Last season, Rumph's Longhorns finished second in the Big 12 in total defense (348.5 yards per game), second in yards per play (4.68) and led the conference in sacks (40). Defensive tackle Malcom Brown led that charge, earning Associated Press All-American honors after notching 70 tackles, 13 for loss and 6.5 sacks.

Rumph was an integral part of Alabama's defense from 2011 to 2013, coaching studs Damion Square, Ed Stinson, A'Shawn Robinson and Jesse Williams, among others. Prior to that, he coached a Clemson defense that finished in the top 25 in total defense and scoring defense every year according to the release, and helped send several stars to the NFL, including Da'Quan Bowers.

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The cupboard isn't bare in Gainesville, either.

Once Rumph arrives on campus, he'll find a roster loaded with both established and potential stars.

Jonathan Bullard, a 6'3", 270-pound monster, finished last season with 52 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. Bryan Cox Jr. and Caleb Brantley are just two of the several Gators who should earn more playing time in 2015, and Jefferson eventually signing would be the cherry on top.

What's more, he'll be working with new defensive coordinator Geoff Collins, who was the defensive coordinator for Mississippi State, which boasted one of the toughest and most physical front fours in college football last year led by Preston Smith.

On the recruiting trail, Rumph has everything it takes to continue to attract top-tier talent to Gainesville.

He was named the 22nd-best recruiter in college football in 2012, according to 247Sports, 24th in 2015 and is listed as either the primary or secondary recruiter for 4-star Texas signee Chris Warren and current Alabama defensive linemen Jarran Reed and D.J. Pettway.

"Rumph works hard and is good at building relationships," 247Sports national recruiting analyst JC Shurburtt told B/R.

"He scours his territories quite well and has done an excellent job during his career, landing his share of talent at Clemson, Alabama and during his short stint in Texas. Given he’s back in an area where he’s more familiar with the landscape, I suspect he will be one of the better recruiters on Florida’s staff."

Rumph has the pieces in place to keep the Gators' defensive line intact and the recruiting track record to not only benefit his specific position group, but the rest of the team with prospects in his specific recruiting territory.

The awkward timing of Williams' departure put McElwain in a tough spot, but he responded with a home run hire. 

Rumph's arrival will pay immediate dividends and provide long-term stability through recruiting.

Barrett Sallee is the lead SEC college football writer and video analyst for Bleacher Report, as well as a co-host of the CFB Hangover on Bleacher Report Radio (Sundays, 9-11 a.m. ET) on Sirius 93, XM 208.

Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All stats are courtesy of cfbstats.com unless otherwise noted, and all recruiting information is courtesy of 247Sports' composite rankings. Follow Barrett on Twitter @BarrettSallee.