The Florida Gators should be very good on the defensive line in 2019 according to me and the pundits that produce the offseason magazines for the upcoming college football season. There is maturity and talent up front to make people feel that way. But, the youth in the group is something I am waiting to see in 2019.

When talking about the four guys that would likely start up front for the Gators this fall, you should start with redshirt defensive end Jabari Zuniga. He will be in his fifth year and has produced pretty significantly for the last three years including starting all of last season.

Defensive line coach David Turner is in his first year at Florida and got to work with Zuniga and understands his ability.

“He’s twitchy. He’s got a lot of ability off the edge. He’s stronger than probably what he appears. He plays with good pad level and good leverage,” Turner said close to the close of spring drills. “You know, I don’t know who he reminds me of. I’ve been around a lot of good ones. Myles Garrett. He’s got a little bit of Myles in him. Preston Smith, those guys. He’s really not typical of any of those guys. He’s just got a lot of traits of a lot."

Zuniga is the biggest name up front, but the Gators also return a couple of other starters in senior defensive tackle Adam Shuler and junior defensive tackle Kyree Campbell. Shuler is more of the play maker in that duo.

They also brought in grad transfer Jonathan Greenard from Louisville to help alleviate the early loss of Jachai Polite to the NFL. Greenard had a terrific year a couple of years ago in earning All-ACC honors.

These guys are expected to do good things, but what is likely unknown are some of the backups.

A lot of eyes are going to be on backup tackles and juniors Elijah Conliffe and Kyree Campbell, but a third that is less mentioned is redshirt junior Marlon Dunlap who had some promising moments during the spring.

But it is the backups at the defensive end spots that could steal part of the limelight in the fall. I would contend that no Gator on either side of the ball had as good of a spring as redshirt sophomore defensive end Zachary Carter, who has really rebuilt his body to play at a higher level.

“Zach has probably been a little bit more consistent than some of the other guys,” Turner said comparing Carter to every player he coaches. “He comes out every day, works, and moves around and plays multiple positions. He’s had to learn a couple of new things and new spots. He’s been a guy that I think has had a real productive spring.”

Carter has increased his strength and physicality and with his quickness, they also like him to play inside a little bit, especially on passing downs.

Greenard will be challenged by redshirt junior Jeremiah Moon who can play in space and has the really long arms that defensive coaches love from a guy rushing from the end of the line of scrimmage.

Behind those two is a young group, but some guys that were recruited because of their athletic ability and that they have the skill sets needed to play the BUCK position.

Redshirt freshman Andrew Chatfield is long and lean and built for rushing the passer from the edge. Redshirt freshman David Reese is super athletic and built like he’s a senior. Freshman Mohamoud Diabate showed up early from high school and participated in spring drills. He’s a blur off the edge.

True freshman Khris Bogle is one of the top three prospects from the 2019 class and is expected to make a run at the BUCK spot but could grow into a strong side end where he may be needed due to numbers down the road.

It’s those young guys that we haven’t seen a lot of that has me excited to see what they can do up front. There is certainly an issue with the lack of numbers inside with regard to some young guys, but there is some quality youth on the edges.