When Florida lost defensive end Dante Fowler after the 2014 season, a big question was whether the Gators could replace his pass-rushing productivity. It was answered affirmatively.
Fowler had 8.5 sacks in ’14, the most by a Gator since 2009, when Carlos Dunlap had 9.5. But under new defensive coordinator Geoff Collins in 2015, the Gators actually improved their pass rush, finishing second in the SEC and tied for fifth nationally with 40 sacks. It was impressive, considering Fowler’s departure and the new scheme installed by Collins.
Now, the Gators must reload again after losing their top two sack guys; Jonathan Bullard and Alex McCalister had 6.