Why should this nominee be considered for the Broyles Award?
During his first year serving as Florida’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, Rob Sale has directed a powerful run offense that ranks second nationally (as of Week 11) with 5.92 yards per carry and is in line to tie the school record that was set in 2008. The Gators boast three of the top-eight rushers in the SEC in yards per carry: QB Anthony Richardson (2nd – 6.6), RB Montrell Johnson Jr. (5th – 6.0) and RB Trevor Etienne (8th – 5.8). Florida’s running offense is a direct product of an offensive line — mentored directly by Sale — that has allowed only nine sacks in the season, ranking tied for third-fewest in the SEC and 14th in the FBS. In addition to the explosive run game at Florida, Sale has played an integral part on the development of individual offensive linemen. Two UF offensive linemen are graded inside the top-15 at their positions according to Pro Football Focus: G O’Cyrus Torrence (#1, 88.6) and T Austin Barber (#10, 83.8). Additionally, all five of Florida’s starting offensive linemen are ranked among the 100 highest-graded players in their respective positions by PFF. Sale’s mentorship, alongside head coach Billy Napier, has also contributed to the Gators becoming one of the least penalized teams in the SEC. Through nine games, the Gators lead the conference with the least amount of penalty yards and penalty yards per game, in addition to ranking third in total penalties per game, highlighted by only three holding penalties. Such rankings represent a distinctive improvement from the 2021 season when Florida finished 12th and 13th in the same categories prior to Sale’s arrival.
Coach's Past Performance
A 15-year collegiate coaching veteran, Sale spent three seasons at Louisiana (2018-20) as the Ragin’ Cajuns offensive coordinator and offensive line coach under current Florida Head Coach Billy Napier. Sale’s unit produced three NFL Draft picks out of Louisiana, including Robert Hunt and Kevin Dotson in 2020, and Max Mitchell in 2022. In 2020, the Ragin’ Cajuns offense ranked third in the Sun Belt Conference in points per game (33.6), fifth in yards per game (421.5), third in yards per play (6.3) and fourth in rushing yards per game (213.0). In 2019, Sale’s offense set numerous school records, including total yards (6,918), touchdowns (69), rushing yards (3,604), rushing touchdowns (42) and passing touchdowns (27). In his first season coaching the Louisiana offense, three players rushed for more than 700 yards each. Trey Ragas logged 1,149 yards and nine touchdowns, Elijah Mitchell led the Sun Belt with 16 touchdowns and ran for 985 yards of his own, while Raymond Calais tallied 754 yards and seven scores. Prior to Louisiana, Sale was the offensive line coach/running game coordinator at Arizona State in 2017, when the Sun Devils averaged 31.9 points, 427.6 total yards and 179.9 rushing yards a game. In 2016, Sale served as the offensive line coach at the University of Louisiana Monroe. That season, the Warhawks ranked third in the Sun Belt with 181.3 rushing yards per game and allowed just 19 sacks.
Team Record and Standings
The Gators are 5-4 and 2-4 in the SEC, ranking fourth in the SEC East.
Team/Unit Stats
Rob Sale’s offense ranks second nationally (as of Week 11) with 5.92 yards per carry and is in line to tie the school record that was set in 2008. Florida’s running offense is a direct product of an offensive line — mentored directly by Sale — that has allowed only nine sacks in the season, ranking tied for third-fewest in the SEC and 14th in the FBS. Sale’s mentorship, alongside head coach Billy Napier, has also contributed to the Gators becoming one of the least penalized teams in the SEC. Through nine games, the Gators lead the conference with the least amount of penalty yards and penalty yards per game, in addition to ranking third in total penalties per game, highlighted by only three holding penalties. Such rankings represent a distinctive improvement from the 2021 season when Florida finished 12th and 13th in the same categories prior to Sale’s arrival.
Individual Player Stats
Sale has directly mentored one of the best guards in the nation in O’Cyrus Torrence, who currently grades as the No. 1 guard by PFF (#1, 88.6). Torrence, who was originally recruited and developed by Sale at Louisiana and later transferred to Florida, has allowed no sacks in over 2,850 snaps and has committed only 10 career penalties, none this season. Tackle Austin Barber is the 10th-highest graded tackle by PFF (#10, 83.8). Additionally, all five of Florida’s starting offensive linemen are ranked among the 100 highest-graded players in their respective positions by PFF. Additionally, Sale’s offense boasts three of the top-eight rushers in the SEC in yards per carry: QB Anthony Richardson (2nd – 6.6), RB Montrell Johnson Jr. (5th – 6.0) and RB Trevor Etienne (8th – 5.8). Sale’s unit at Louisiana produced three NFL Draft picks, including Robert Hunt and Kevin Dotson in 2020, and Max Mitchell in 2022.
