Florida Football: Studs and duds from the 2019 season

Stud: Jonathan Greenard

With all the big-name transfers this past offseason — Jalen Hurts, Kelly Bryant just to name two — Louisville transfer Jonathan Greenard was an afterthought. He was solid as a third-year sophomore, registering seven sacks for Louisville.

After a wrist injury sidelined him practically all the 2018 season, he decided to transfer to Florida. His move to Gainesville was the perfect storm.

First, Greenard spoke very well of Florida defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s defensive schematics. As talented as Greenard is as a pass rusher, this doesn’t work if he doesn’t fit with what Grantham likes to do defensively.

Second, the Gators lost a lot of talent at outside linebacker/pass rusher. Vosean Joseph, Jachai Polite and CeCe Jefferson all left the program — Joseph and Polite left early for the NFL and Jefferson was lost to graduation. Grantham and the Gator defense had a void that needed to be filled.

Greenard filled the need and then some. He ended the season with 50 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and even had an interception return for a touchdown.

Jabari Zungia, Florida’s other pass rusher dealt with injuries all season, Greenard became the pass rusher that commanded the double-teams. That allowed other Gator pass rushers to take advantage of 1-on-1 matchups.

The Gators had five players with at least three sacks. Greenard was definitely a stud for Florida’s stingy defense this season.