Super Seniors & The Sack Record. Could They Be The Key To Brenton Cox Breaking Career Record?
By LOREN MEADOWS
GatorBaitMedia.com Football Analyst
Brenton Cox Jr. would like to average “a sack a half” which would more than give him the sack total to eclipse the record of 13 set back in 2001 by Alex Brown during an All-American season with the Gators. One would think that 14 sacks -- let alone a sack each half -- would be lofty goals for a player who viewed himself at times as someone “who doesn’t play hard,”
However, the 2022 season year comes with a different set of circumstances and expectations. Cox finished an injury-plagued season with 41 tackles (12.5 for loss) and 8.5 sacks, is now under the tutelage of former Gator and NFL veteran Mike Peterson, who brings an aggressive detail-oriented philosophy to the outside linebacker room.
Peterson is the former Gator All-American who spent 14 years in the NFL with the Colts, Jaguars and Falcons. Cox says Peterson preaches “consistency” and “hard play” to shed the image of a player that doesn’t give maximum effort.
Fortunately, football is a team sport and great defenses usually are good at every level of the formation. Luckily for Cox there are 16 combined years of experience on the defense that has returned this season to Florida to help the cause.
The group of Ventrell Miller, Amari Burney, and Trey Dean III is set for one final year, each with their own role in the pursuit of a strong defense for the Gators. Patrick Toney’s “CREEPER” defense is designed to -- as Toney puts it -- “make different things look the same and same things look different.”
While Cox is rushing the passer, it will be the responsibility of Miller and Amari Burney to hold the quarterback with stunts and games. If that doesn’t do the trick, then Trey Dean III will be tasked with painting a picture that causes the quarterback to doubt himself, hold the ball and create an opportunity for Cox to do his thing.
Miller, now in his sixth season with the Gators, has amassed 164 tackles (15 for loss), 7.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 TD. Miller offers a blend of leadership and experience that is sorely needed as the Gators operate in the “CREEPER.” In 2021, Miller was poised to be one of the SEC’s best defenders before a torn biceps injury ended his season in Week 2. Miller mulled over leaving Florida after last year but stated “It didn't feel right leaving without a good year to finish out.”
Burney returns to provide versatility and a level head to the defense. The self-proclaimed “true student-athlete” who already earned his degree, has been glowing about the new regime and his place in the defense. “The coaching staff is very impressive,” Burney said, with everything done in a “strategic” manner. Burney says that in the “CREEPER” “the linebackers will be very aggressive.” It is that aggressiveness that should allow the 5th year senior, who has also spent time at nickelback and safety, to add to his career totals of 145 tackles (7 for loss), 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions.
Many were surprised when Dean returned to Gainesville for a 5th year. The Hampton, Ga. native has spent his Gator career as a starter at cornerback, nickelback, and safety. With a total of 174 tackles (9 for loss) 4 sacks and 4 interceptions, Dean returned to Florida even though he had an invite to the NFL combine.
Dean has been impressed with the defense that he calls “breathtaking,” and the “super structured” head coach that he personally wanted when he looked at possible replacements for Dan Mullen. Dean has also been a fan of the strength and conditioning program that has been put in place as the program focuses on “fitting things to [what we do] on the field.”
Cox set his goals high. Most of which is the pursuit of a mark that has stood for over two decades. This is no small feat, but he will be able to absorb a wealth of knowledge from another one of the Florida’s all-time best defenders.
Cox says he “definitely did [my] research” on Coach Peterson so he “knew what he was getting when he came in and he was happy to have him.” Peterson challenges Cox daily “to be in the TV screen at the end of every play” something he learned from his time in the NFL.
In speaking of the defense Cox says “I’m not the only one out there so I shouldn’t be the only one not running to the ball.” Instructions from one Gator to another, in pursuit of another. Players sometime post goals and aspirations on their locker as a constant reminder of what they are working for. In this case the three “super seniors” should get a copy as well.
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