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.
