Three more members of Florida’s talented junior class are headed to the NFL.
Defensive end Carlos Dunlap and center Maurkice Pouncey announced Monday that they’ll join cornerback Joe Haden and tight end Aaron Hernandez and forgo their senior seasons to enter the NFL Draft, and safety Major Wright told the Miami Herald in a text message he plans to do the same.
“This is one of the biggest decisions I have ever made in my life,” Pouncey said. “I am glad that my brother and I made the decision to be Gators. God gave us the knowledge, strength and ability to be great players, but it is now time for my brother and me to part ways.”
While Pouncey leaves Gainesville for a pro career, his twin brother, Mike, will stay at UF and take over at the center spot, meaning little will change outside of Mike dropping the “Mi.” from the back of his jersey.
The Pounceys have been a mainstay on the Gators’ offensive line for the past two seasons, and Maurkice started 11 games as a freshman while Mike played on the defensive line.
“These are two guys who we’ve been able to build our program around for the last several years,” coach Urban Meyer said. “They have both provided an unbelievable amount of leadership and energy to our team. These guys embody the toughness and physical style of play that we want Florida to be known for.”
Dunlap, the defensive MVP of the 2009 BCS Championship, led Florida in sacks this season (nine) and also racked up 10.5 tackles for loss.
His senior season was marred by a DUI arrest that caused him to miss the Southeastern Conference Championship, but his combination of size (6-foot-6, 290 pounds) and speed will make him an attractive draft prospect.
ESPN’s Scouts Inc. ranks Dunlap as the No. 21 overall prospect, but while he is a likely first-round pick, Wright’s status is more uncertain.
As a three-year starter, Wright made 165 tackles, snagged eight interceptions and forced four fumbles, but his choice to leave early comes as a surprise compared to those of his more elite classmates.
Wright told the Herald in a text message, “I’m going to the NFL.”
