Two Mullen-era holdovers provide veteran leadership at EDGE for Florida

Most of Florida’s 2024 football roster consists of players recruited by Billy Napier, but two rare holdovers from the Dan Mullen era are on top of the depth chart at edge rusher — at least, for now.

Justus Boone and Tyreak Sapp both stayed in Gainesville after Mullen was fired, knowing they’d have to compete to keep their roles under a new coach.

It’s the kind of perseverance and loyalty to the program that’s made both welcomed additions to Napier’s defense.

“Sapp and Boone were here when we first got here, and both have been awesome,” Napier said. “They have great practice habits. They bring energy. They’ve got personalities that I think rub off on the team and the group. Those two have been in the trenches together for a couple of years now.

“They’re doing a good job, and I mean, the reality is they’re competing, right? I mean, they’re in scenarios where they’re competing. So both of those guys are two of our guys that provide a good example. They have character. and we need more of them.

However, Napier called the EDGE room the most competitive position group on the team because of the young players behind these veterans. Kelby Collins and TJ Searcy figure to get playing time after impressive freshmen seasons, and freshman LJ McCray could be a Day 1 factor on the defense.

Boone and Sapp must prove themselves to stay on the field this year, and the former is coming off a season lost to injury. If Boone can stay healthy, he might be the most impactful player in the bunch.

“Boone has been one of the best leaders that we had,” Napier said. “Losing him last year was a big deal. Not only because of his production on the field and the depth issue there but also just his passion, his ability to affect people.”

Sapp is no different.

“Sapp’s motor is always running hot,” he said. “I mean, he never has a bad day. He’s on it all the time. Both of those guys are good teammates.

While both aren’t usually on the field at the same time, there’s a bond between the two that let’s them play through each other.

“It’s crazy. When he gets on the field, I feel like I almost know what he’s about to do,” Sapp said of his connection with Boone. “I can kind of feel me playing through him. I just love it when he’s out there because me and him give that same effort, he goes hard, he has a motor and he understands the game.”

Boone started fall camp still working his way back from last year’s ACL tear, so it looks like Sapp will start the season on the field for Florida at the F position.

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