Florida's Ronald Powell, the former No.1-rated high school recruit coming off a serious knee injury, is the pass rusher that carries the highest expectations for the Gators.
But production-wise, Saturday was Dante Fowler's day.
The UF sophomore tormented the Tennessee offense with several big plays, the biggest of which thwarted a potential touchdown drive for the Volunteers. Fowler made only three tackles, but all three were for losses totaling 15 yards. He forced a fumble on two of those tackles, added a fumble recovery, and recorded a sack for a loss of six yards.
At 6-foot-3, 266 pounds, Fowler has the ideal frame for edge rushing.
Fowler had a quiet performance in the season opener against Toledo, but has been more productive since. He made his first tackle for loss against Miami (Fla.), to go with two quarterback hurries against the Hurricanes, before his breakout performance against Tennessee. Look for Fowler's production to continue to rise, particularly with a struggling Kentucky team up next for the Gators.
Fowler made 8.5 tackles for loss as a freshman last year among 30 stops.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter @ChaseGoodbread.
