As the age of the Transfer Portal commences, no program is safe from key departures. This offseason, the Florida Gators have been hot on the recruiting trail. Finishing the season on a three-game winning streak, momentum seems to be on their side. However, despite the good times in Gainesville, players are still departing. With the emergence of quarterback DJ Lagway, the focus has been on the offense. Not taking into account departures for the draft, the offense has remained relatively intact. Keeping receiver Eugene Wilson III was pivotal, as he missed much of the season with an injury. With the good news still coming, star defensive lineman Caleb Banks decided to return for his senior year. Elsewhere on the defense, many of the players leaving were expected, due to playing time or other factors. However, Gators fans were shocked earlier this week by a key transfer.
Gators Transfer Portal: Departures
Jack Pyburn
A great presence in the locker room, Jack Pyburn was playing his best football late in the season. The junior edge rusher finished the year with 60 tackles, one sack, and one interception. Not the most highly recruited, he eventually found a role in this defensive rotation. One of the best on the team at setting the edge, his departure came as a shock to many. A Gator through and through, the belief was that he would finish his career in Gainesville. It appears that money was the main factor in his decision to leave. Wanting some considerable guarantees, the Gators were not willing to comply. Pyburn demanded $45K a month and a locked-in starting role. At a steep price, Florida decided that they were better off not paying this and unfortunately letting him leave. While a big loss, this allows former 5-star LJ McCray to make his mark.
Kelby Collins
After another loss for the Florida defense, Kelby Collins decided he would pursue other endeavors. A talented player, he was highly recruited coming out of high school. The Sophomore edge rusher finished with six tackles this season. In 2023, he was far more productive, finishing with 23 tackles and 1.5 sacks. With Florida boasting such a deep defensive line room, Collins entered his name into the portal. A talented young player, he has already lined up a visit to Alabama. Although it did not work out in Gainesville, he is still a special talent. With two years of eligibility remaining, he hopes to make his mark on another program.
Ja’Keem Jackson
Rated as a top corner in the 2023 recruiting class, fans were high on Ja’Keem Jackson. Listed as a starter at the beginning of the season, he was unfortunately hurt after only two games. Jackson had four total tackles in his first two games. Upon going down with injury, the Gators were forced to lean on some of the other young corners. Playing admirably down the stretch, Jackson may not have been tabbed as a starter going forward. After failing to get back on the field, the former Gator entered his name into the transfer portal. An extremely talented player, he has already been linked to the LSU Tigers.
Justus Boone
Expected to be one of the leaders of this defense, Justus Boone never truly got it going. After missing the entire 2023 season due to injury, fans were excited about him coming back to Gainesville. In his return season, the junior edge rusher finished with 10 tackles and .5 a sack. Eventually, falling in the rotation, his departure to the transfer portal was expected by the Gators. A hard hitter, Boone should find a home rather quickly. As long as he stays healthy, he should be a real difference-maker for any program in the country.
Arlis Boardingham
The first real loss for the offense, Arlis Boardingham had big expectations this season. After a solid year in 2023, he was able to build a connection with quarterback Graham Mertz. That season, he finished with four touchdowns and 289 yards. Coming up short this year, he only had 128 yards receiving with two touchdowns. Failing to register a catch in the last two games, the writing was on the wall. Unfortunately, with limited snaps played, it appears he was passed up on the depth chart. With Florida having a strong tight end room, Boardingham desired more playing time. A great receiving tight end, he has the talent to find a new home in a power-four league.
Final Thoughts
Despite the Gators coming out as winners this offseason, they too had their fair share of departures. In this new era of college football, NIL and the portal dictate all. Players coming and going will be far more mainstream than before. Despite all the losses, the Gators still have plenty of momentum moving forward. With a schedule less intense than last season, expectations are growing for Billy Napier. With a budding star at quarterback and a battle-tested roster, Florida may be ready to compete. Needing to attack the transfer portal for replacements, the Gators must spend aggressively. This could very well be a make-or-break year for the Napier era in Gainesville.
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