Redshirt freshman guard Jessamen Dunker has decided to transfer from Florida, coach Will Muschamp announced Wednesday afternoon.
The third-year coach didn’t have any word on Dunker’s future with the team this morning during a Southeastern Conference teleconference. That changed once the two talked about an hour before Muschamp introduced new special teams coach Jeff Choate at 3 p.m.
“He felt like he needed a fresh start, and I didn't disagree with him,” Muschamp said.
Dunker leaves Florida without reaching the field after arriving from Boynton Beach High as the fifth-ranked offensive guard in the country by Rivals.com.
Muschamp suspended Dunker indefinitely following the guard’s arrest on charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle arrest on Jan. 16. Dunker missed all of spring practice. The case has yet to be resolved.
Where Dunker will transfer is unclear. Dunker was expected to solidify the left side of the offensive line along with fellow highly ranked recruit and starting left tackle D.J. Humphries.
Florida released an unofficial depth chart as to where the team stands heading into the summer on Wednesday with Humphries, Max Garcia, Jonotthan Harrison, Jon Halapio and Tyler Moore starting on the offensive line.
Fowler Jr., Powell headline depth chart: Florida has 99 days until it begins spring practice. Muschamp called this a critical time for the Gators as they head into the summer.
Sophomore Dante Fowler Jr. is listed as the starting Buck linebacker on the depth chart. Redshirt junior Ronald Powell, recovering from two ACL injuries, is at the first string Sam spot. Powell, the team’s sack leader with six in 2011 at the Buck position, gives the Gators a vaunted defensive front that includes sophomore Jonathan Bullard, senior Dominique Easley and sophomore Antonio Morrison.
“To get our best guys on the field is a lengthy discussion we’ve had as a defensive staff, and certainly Ronald, we feel like’s going to be one of those guys,” Muschamp said.
After participating at wide receiver for the first half of spring, sophomore defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy is listed as the starting right cornerback with Marcus Roberson on the other side.
Redshirt junior Mack Brown is currently the backup running back behind sophomore Matt Jones. Early enrollee Kelvin Taylor, impressive in the spring game, has to continue to progress mentally with the offense, Muschamp said.
With the season opener against Toledo on Aug. 31 18 weeks away, this is just an idea of what to expect.
“Don't know if it's worth the paper it's printed on, but that's kind of where we are as we ended spring and as we enter fall camp,” Muschamp said. “See where these guys develop and [when] we get there August 1 (to) find out who's going to contribute for us in the fall as we move forward.”
Contact Adam Pincus at apincus@alligator.org.
Redshirt senior guard Jon Halapio (left) blocks Vanderbilt defensive tackle Jared Morse (97) during the Gators’ 31-17 win against the Commodores on Oct. 13 in Nashville, Tenn. Halapio is listed as a starter on Florida's most recent depth chart.
