Nobody is second-guessing Sharrif Floyd’s decision to leave UF early these days.
Floyd, who announced his intention to forgo his senior season following Florida’s 33-23 loss to Louisville in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2, has seen his draft stock rise meteorically during the past few weeks.
The 6-foot-3, 297-pound defensive lineman is now considered a potential top-five pick in the NFL Draft, which begins on April 25.
Despite not attending Florida’s Pro Day on Tuesday — Floyd tweaked his ankle at the NFL Scouting Combine and will hold a private workout later this month — scouts and coaches raved about his ability to command double teams and cause chaos for opposing offenses.
"He’s a game-changer at the college level," said David Caldwell, general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars. "He may not have the so-called sack production, but he disrupts a lot of plays."
Floyd’s raw statistics from last season do not fully reflect the attention he has received since announcing his decision.
He finished fifth on the team with 46 tackles, 13 of which went for a loss, and also notched three sacks in 13 games during his junior season.
But in Florida’s loss to Louisville, Floyd recorded five tackles, two sacks and a blocked field goal. Coach Will Muschamp said that type of production was there throughout the season, even if the box score showed differently.
"Turn on the tape," Muschamp said. "The guy can anchor, he can play the run, he’s got great initial quickness, he can rush the passer. He’s everything you want for an inside player."
Floyd is one of seven starters the Gators must replace from a defense that finished fifth in the nation with 14.5 points per game allowed.
Despite the departures, first-year defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin is confident in what the team is bringing back next season.
"We’re not just playing 11 guys," Durkin said. "We play 20-something guys in a game on defense, and we want to continue that. We’ve got some up-and-coming guys we feel really good about."
Purifoy working with offense:
Muschamp said on Tuesday that cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy, who will be a junior next season, will play the first seven days of spring practice as a full-time wide receiver.
Purifoy finished fourth on the team last season with 38 tackles while also forcing three fumbles and breaking up five passes. But given his athleticism and Florida’s lack of depth at receiver, the coaching staff has opted to incorporate him into the offense.
"A guy that hasn’t been full time at that position, so it would be good for him to go through the first seven days [at receiver]," Muschamp said.
Added offensive coordinator Brent Pease: "We know he’s a defensive guy, but when you have a talent like him… he can step on the field and give us something offensively."
Injuries:
Ronald Powell will not participate in spring practice as he continues his recovery after suffering a torn ACL in Florida’s spring game and undergoing a second surgery to repair his knee in October.
Offensive linemen Chaz Green (ankle) and Ian Silberman (shoulder) will also miss spring practice, as will freshman linebacker Matt Rolin (knee). Kyle Christy, Neiron Ball, Solomon Patton and Jon Halapio will be limited participants as they return to full speed.
"We’re going to be a little thin up front with some injuries, so we’ve got to be more efficient throwing it, and that’s going to be a big part of it in spring," Muschamp said.
Contact Phillip Heilman at pheilman@alligator.org.
Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (73), now a member of the Minnesota Vikings, celebrates after making a tackle during Florida’s 33-23 loss to Louisville during the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2 at the Superdome in New Orleans.
