Greenard, Zuniga match Florida defensive line coach David Turner's lofty edge-rushing expectations

Entering the 2019 season, there were legitimate questions as to how effective Florida's pass rush would be, following the losses of Jachai Polite and Cece Jefferson off of the edge.

Then, head coach Dan Mullen hired David Turner to be his defensive line coach, and the work that Turner has done with defensive coordinator Todd Grantham since has left Gators fans with an answer to all of their previous questions.

The Gators' pass-rushing unit has been one of the best in the nation through four games, tied for first with Ohio State and Virginia in sacks at 20, eighth in total tackles for loss with 37, and recording 85 QB pressures according to Pro Football Focus. 10 of Florida's sacks have come off of the edge.

Turner has been in charge of the entire defensive line unit, except for the BUCK pass-rushing position. He certainly helps out at that position given his experience with weak-side pass rushers, however the position is technically assigned to Grantham. But given his experience - he groomed the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett at Texas A&M, among others - Turner's voice is valuable.

Garrett is considered one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, and he only just started his third season in Cleveland. Under Turner in 2016, Garrett posted 8.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles in 10 games.

As if Garrett wasn't enough validation of Turner's expertise at developing pass rushers, he also coached Preston Smith at Mississippi State from 2013-14, where Smith tallied 11.5 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. Smith went on to become a second-round pick by the Washington Redskins in 2015.

Turner also recruited and mentored 2012 first-round pick, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, and 2011 fifth-round pick, Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, while at Mississippi State in 2009.

Could we call Turner an edge-rusher whisperer? Perhaps, but he did all but whisper the specifics at what he looks for and develops in his pass rushers when speaking with GatorMaven this week.

"We try to work on fundamentals," Turner stated. "[We] try to do a good job on block instruction, getting off blocks, being in our gap, handling our job, doing what we’re supposed to do, being where we are supposed to be."

Discipline is a huge aspect of becoming a dominant pass rusher. Whether it's being in the right place at exactly the right time, polishing hand technique, understanding your gap responsibility, rushing the passer can not be accomplished without a strong mental game to pair with the physical side of things.

But what does Turner look for from a physique standpoint?

"You see twitch... using their hands, learning, and studying the game. That’s a common trait. You know, long, athletic guys, that’s the common trait with all of those guys... And being able to get off the ball.”

Twitch might be a natural trait, but it can and has to be refined. If you watch film on BUCK defensive end Jonathan Greenard, you see a player with polished twitch. He moves well off the snap with the discipline necessary to get off the ball at the right time, with coordinated hand-movement to get off blocks and dominate his lane.

"It’s always about use of hands and leverage, understanding sets, body angles, those types of things," Turner continued.

So far, Greenard and defensive end Jabari Zuniga have been exactly what Turner wants off the edge. The Draft Network, a well-respected NFL Draft scouting service, says as much in their scouting reports of both players from their action this year.

Greenard

: In terms of being the athlete he needs to be as a stand-up speed rusher, Greenard checks that box. For a player who is right around 260 pounds, Greenard shows good burst off the ball, and not just when anticipating or jumping the snap count. As a redshirt senior, Greenard also shows a good understanding of how important it is to pass rush with a plan. Whether it's hitting a spin move, using a false step outside to then counter inside, or knowing which shoulder to strike on his blocker, Greenard is calculated in how he attacks the pocket. This, along with his athletic ability, makes him a well-rounded pass rusher and edge defender who can play on all three downs.

Zuniga

: Impressive functional strength for his size. Plenty of reps where he stuns blockers with his hands and anchors at the point of attack against much larger opponents. Blends that play strength with fluid mobility and quickness in all directions. Like the way he changes directions and carries speed through turns. Once he gets out of his stance, he can cover ground and challenge offensive tackles to set road blocks up the arc. Loves to dip and rip but also converts speed to power well. All of the elements to be a balanced edge defender are present but it all needs to be applied consistently to take advantage of his toolbox.

Florida DL Jabari Zuniga getting some work inside. Nice swat to remove hands. Could be tough to handle in jet packages moving forward. pic.twitter.com/RmIvOyLDBw
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) September 13, 2019

As things stand, Zuniga is considered an early second-round prospect by TDN, standing at 34th on their current 2020 prospect rankings. Greenard is a little lower, coming in as a third-round guy with the 73rd spot. However, he was unranked entering the season as a graduate transfer from Louisville who missed all but nine snaps in 2018 due to a broken wrist. His jump up the board has been outstanding.

And when you read the scouting reports, a lot of the things that stand out on tape go hand-in-hand with Turner's philosophy.

"You’ve got to play with leverage, you’ve got to play with body length, you’ve got to be able to close the distance on those guys, so all those things play a big role in being a productive edge rusher," said Turner. "I know we’re glad to have these guys and they’re working their tails off."