Gators add pass rusher

GAINESVILLE — The Gators’ depleted pass rush vastly improved Wednesday when Louisville’s Jonathan Greenard announced he would transfer to UF for his final season.

Greenard will be eligible immediately as a graduate transfer and reunite with defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, who coached at Louisville from 2014 to 2016.

The 6-foot-4, 263-pound Greenard’s addition will help the Gators offset the loss of sack leader Jachai Polite to the NFL following his breakout junior season that included 17.5 tackles for loss, with 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles.

Greenard entered 2018 expected to be one of the ACC’s top pass rushers after totaling 15.5 tackles for loss, including seven sacks, in 2017. Instead, he tore a ligament in his wrist and missed last season. He did, however, complete his degree to pave the way for Wednesday’s move, which Greenard announced on his Twitter account.

He began: “I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to still be able to play this game.”

A native of Hiram, Ga., Greenard red-shirted as a freshman in 2015 and played his one season under Grantham in 2016, finishing with 22 tackles, including seven for loss (2.5 sacks), during nine appearances.

Greenard’s addition gives Grantham some nice options off the edge.

Much has been expected of 6-foot-6, 232-pound Jeremiah Moon due to his length and versatility. This past season as a redshirt sophomore, Moon had 31 tackles but just 1.5 sacks. He did lead UF with six quarterback hurries and will have a much larger role now that Polite has moved on.

Jabari Zuniga’s return for his final season was a boost for the Gators’ defense. Lined up opposite Polite, he finished his redshirt junior season with 45 tackles, including 11 for loss (6.5 sacks), and had four QB hurries.

Zachary Carter, who will be a redshirt sophomore, has flashed tremendous potential. Meanwhile, CeCe Jefferson, who just completed his senior season, said first-year freshman Andrew Chatfield stood out during practices leading up to the Peach Bowl.

Greenard, though, has a chance to come in and immediately establish himself as the Gators’ most explosive player coming off the edge.