A look at who I believe are the top-five edge defenders on Florida's 2024 schedule
Graham Hall
With the offseason in full swing, I'm once again taking a crack at ranking the top-5 players at each position the Gators will face on the 2024 schedule. The list continues with who I believe are the top-five edge defenders UF will face:
No. 5: Trey Moore, Texas
Height:6-foot-3
Weight:242 pounds
Year:Junior
247Sports Ranking: N/A
2023 Statistics:45 tackles (30 solo), 14 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT, 3 passes deflected
Overview:Following three seasons at UTSA, Trey Moore hit the transfer portal, though he didn't have to travel far for his newfound home. He landed at Texas, where he'll look to prove his impressive level of play in 2023 was anything but a fluke.
His statistics are staggering, with 22 sacks over his previous two seasons combined, and he possesses impressive agility coming off the edge.
He has noticeable burst, which should allow him to pressure the quarterback at a high rate once again.
The main concern here, however, is how the increase in competition will affect his play.
Will Moore be able to ease seamlessly into competing in the SEC? Or will he experience a noticeable drop-off in effectiveness?
It remains to be seen, yet my gut tells me it will be the former. He should be an instant-impact type player for the Longhorns in 2024.
No. 4: Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
Height:6-foot-5
Weight:255 pounds
Year:Senior
247Sports Ranking: No. 247 overall, No. 9-ranked strong-side defensive end in the class of 2020 in 247Sports' Composite Rankings
2023 Statistics:39 tackles (22 solo), 7 sacks
Overview:Umanmielen was one of the bright spots on Florida's defensive line last season, and he led the team in sacks with seven while consistently being double-teamed in the trenches.
Even though his production may have left some to be desired, Umanmielen frequently won his matchups along a UF defensive line that struggled to consistently generate pressure in the backfield; by season's end, Umanmielen ranked fourth among all Power Five edge defenders in pass-rush win rate with a 22.2 percent success rate.
Joining him in Oxford is one of the league's top interior defensive linemen in Walter Nolen, which should free up Umanmielen to succeed at an even higher rate during his final season in the SEC.
When the Rebels travel to Gainesville for what will mark UF's Senior Day in late November, Umanmielen will clearly be part of a contingent tasked with bringing down quarterback Graham Mertz – and playing spoiler for the Rebels.
No. 3: Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Height:6-foot-3
Weight:275 pounds
Year:Sophom*ore
247Sports Ranking: No. 63 overall, No. 11-ranked EDGE in the class of 2023 in 247Sports' Composite Rankings
2023 Statistics:44 tackles (23 solo), 7.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 pass deflected
Overview:Bain's debut season at the collegiate level went as swimmingly as possible, and he's looking to continue stating his case as one of the nation's best at his position during his sophom*ore season with the Hurricanes.
In 2023, Bain registered an 89.3 pass-rush grade according to Pro Football Focus, which ranked as the second-best mark by a Power Five true freshman in the site's decade-long history.
Only Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett graded out higher as a true freshman, which clearly bodes well for Bain's future success. When the Hurricanes travel to Gainesville for the season-opener on Aug. 31, look for Bain to be double-teamed more often than not.
He'll be a massive test for an overhauled UF offensive line when the 2024 season arrives.
No. 2: Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
Height:6-foot-4
Weight:280 pounds
Year:Junior
247Sports Ranking: No. 207 overall, No. 27-ranked defensive lineman in the class of 2022 in 247Sports' Composite Rankings
2023 Statistics:50 tackles (33 solo), 10 sacks, 1 forced fumbles, 3 passes deflected
Overview:Scourton is looking to take his game to the next level after a breakout sophom*ore season at Purdue, and he should benefit from his newfound teammates in College Station along the defensive line, including the highly touted Shemar Turner.
According to Pro Football Focus, Scourton's21.3 percent pass-rush win rate last season ranked ninth among all edge defenders, and he was credited with 25 run-defense stops, which tied for the third most among all player in the Power Five.
His pass-rush moves can continue to improve, but he already possesses an impressive skill set heading into his junior season.
He'll need to prove there's no drop-off incoming now that he'll face increased talent in the SEC; if he's able to do just that, Scourton will be among the nation's best pass-rushers in 2024.
No. 1: James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Height:6-foot-5
Weight:242 pounds
Year:Junior
247Sports Ranking: No. 202 overall, No. 21-ranked EDGE in the class of 2022 in 247Sports' Composite Rankings
2023 Statistics:27 tackles (18 solo), 9.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 INT, 1 defensive TD
Overview:Arguably the top pass-rusher in 2023, Pearce Jr. returns to Tennessee for his junior season with the program looking to assert himself as a future star at the next level.
His21.3 percent pressure rate ranked third in the nation among all edge defenders last season, according to Pro Football Focus, as did his 92.4 pass-rush grade.
While there are some question marks concerning the rest of Tennessee's defensive line, there's little doubt as to Pearce's ability and potential.
He should only continue to prove he has a unique combination of power and athleticism in 2024, and it wouldn't be a surprise to hear him in content for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
