Florida Football’s Peterson Previews Edge Group

Florida Gators edge coach Mike Peterson, who was a linebacker at Florida from 1995-98, helped the Gators defense improve in nearly every statistical category last season. Peterson expects the numbers to continue to rise this year.

The Gators defense came into its own at the end of last season, leaving many fans excited for this year. Florida finished last season ranked ninth in the nation in red zone defense (.725), 11th in sacks per game (3.0) and 11th in fumbles recovered (11).

“I feel really good about my group,” Peterson said. “We talk about being the best in the country. I ain’t afraid to say that. We want to be the best edge group in the country, right? I wanna be the best edge coach. It ain’t no pressure. It’s just kind of how we feel and that’s kind of how we approach everything.”

The Gators finished the year with at least one takeaway in 10 straight games.

“They’re a tight-knit group,” Peterson said. “They hang out together, watch film together, train together.”

Tyreak Sapp

The Gators are expecting a big year from Tyreak Sapp, who had a team-leading 13 tackles for a loss and seven sacks last season. Sapp’s PFF grade (90.4) was the highest of any Florida defender since 2019.

“Sapp is one of those guys… he’s the first person I put in my suitcase when I’m traveling,” Peterson said. “That’s kind of how I feel about him. He plays with a whole lot of passion man. He’s communicating with the young guys. Taking his game to the next level is kind of the conversations I’ve been having with him. It’s time to be a pro. I’m proud of him. I expect a lot from him. We’re not done. It’s spring ball. We got some work to do.”

George Gumbs Jr.

Another edge that made waves last season is George Gumbs Jr. The redshirt senior from Chicago finished second on the team with eight tackles for a loss and five sacks.

“Coming in, he was super raw,” Peterson said. “We look at some film from last year, at this time last year to kind of go back and look at things and see where his game has went. We used to tease him and give him all kind of nicknames. I think the first day he lined up on the edge and he lined up like a receiver. His game is like a sponge. That’s what I like. Anything I tell him, he is soaking it in. He’s growing up a lot in terms as far as leadership role. When he got here, he wasn’t really a big vocal guy. I’m excited about Gumbs.”

Being able to soak in everything his coach says like a sponge was crucial in Gumbs’ come-up last year. Gumbs started his college career as a walk-on tight end at Northern Illinois, before switching to defensive end. When he transferred to Florida, he made the switch to edge.

LJ McCray

Speaking of position changes, LJ McCray is moving to Jack, which is a hybrid linebacker and defensive end.

“He’s handled it great man,” Peterson said. “I kind of teased him about it after the season, and he said ‘coach whatever you need me to do, that’s what I’m gonna do’. He’s very very athletic. I always ask him who the fastest is in the room, and he always is the first guy to raise his hand. Competitive guy. Right now he is in the process of challenging him to change his body. Let’s commit to the weight room, let’s commit to your eating habits. I ride him a little hard, man. I coach him hard. Another kid from a great family, so he respects it and goes out there and puts the work in.”

Mike Peterson was a member of Florida’s 1996 National Championship team. So, he knows what it takes to reach the promised land. Only time will tell the impact that the Gators edge group will have this season.