The Gator defensive line looked like it might be one of the weak spots on the Gator football team last year, but they stepped up and were a key part of the National Championship team. Everyone is back except for Torrey Davis and this group can go nowhere but up with the amount of depth and talent Meyer’s staff has recruited.

Carlos Dunlap is the stud of the Gator defensive line. He was credited with 9.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss in his sophomore year and the 6’6” 290 pound DE is primed for a first team All-American type year. Draft analysts say he could go as high as top 5 in next year’s draft if he performs to his ability. Strength coach Marrotti has said that Dunlap is a physical freak and that he is one of the strongest guys on the team. His only setback is that he is known for being lazy. When he gives 100%, no one can push more weight than him but he isn’t consistently giving the 100%. If he plays without taking plays off this year, the sky is the limit for this junior from Spurrier’s backyard.

Senior Jermaine Cunningham came into Florida at not much over 200 pounds, but he is now up to 252 and is one of the most underrated defensive ends in the nation. Overshadowed by the massive talent of Dunlap, Cunningham has quietly become a leader and a great contributor to the defense. In addition to his 6 sacks and 52 tackles last year, he also had 3 forced fumbles.

Adding depth are juniors Justin Trattou and Duke Lemmens who should both see plenty of time this season in the rotation to keep the line fresh. The coaching staff rave about both guys and both would likely start on most other teams. Sophomore William Green, who was huge on special teams last year, also has the ability to become a playmaker this year.

On the inside, the Gators have redshirt junior starters Lawrence Marsh and Terron Sanders back in 2009. Both guys have moved around and before last season hadn’t accomplished much. Considered the weakness of the defense last year, these guys stepped up to make the interior defensive line solid. Sanders had 21 tackles last year while marsh added 5.5 tackles for loss.

In addition to Sanders and Marsh, the Gators will have junior Brandon Antwine who has battled career threatening injuries to become a contributor. Redshirt freshman Omar Hunter came into Florida with a high billing and will be expected to live up to it this season. True freshman Gary Brown could also contribute. The strongest guy on the team according to the coaches is senior DT Troy Epps. He didn’t see much action last year, but he might in 2009.

In addition to all these guys, the Gators also have redshirt sophomore Jaye Howard and redshirt freshman Earl Okine who will likely play both inside and on the ends. Both are former DE’s oozing with potential and they have put on weight to try to get some time in the rotation inside. Okine really opened up the eyes of the coaches in spring practice and is ready to contribute this season.

All in all, strong recruiting and great coaching have made one of the weaknesses of the 2007 team into one of the strengths of the 2008 Championship team. Barring major injuries or setbacks, the defensive line should again be a team strength and continue to impose their will on opposing teams’ backfields.

Ben Pettito is a columnist for GatorTailgating.com