*Jachai Polite – Noteworthy
Florida defensive end Jachai Polite has decided to leave school early and enter the NFL draft. The junior announced his decision via social media Monday, saying “I can’t wait to prove to NFL teams that I can be and will be the best defensive lineman in the NFL.” Polite tied a school record for forced fumbles in a single season when he recorded his sixth against Michigan in the Peach Bowl on Saturday. He also finished with 11 sacks this season, falling two shy of Alex Brown’s school record set in 1999. Polite says “the lessons I have learned in Gainesville will carry with me to the next level, with my goal always being the same … #RetireMoms!” Polite is the third Florida player to turn pro in recent weeks. Defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson declared for the draft in late November and offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor did the same after the Peach Bowl. Linebacker Vosean Joseph and running back Jordan Scarlett could follow. – AP College Football
*Jawaan Taylor – Noteworthy
Florida offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor is forgoing his final year of college eligibility and entering the NFL draft. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound junior announced his decision via social media Saturday night after the Gators beat Michigan 41-15 in the Peach Bowl. Taylor also signed with agent Drew Rosenhaus. Taylor was a three-year starter at Florida, part of an offensive line that played better as the 2018 season progressed. The Gators (10-3) allowed 18 sacks, including a season-high three against the Wolverines. Taylor is the second Florida player to decide to turn pro. Defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson declared for the draft in late November but still played in the Peach Bowl and was named the game’s defensive MVP. Defensive end Jachai Polite, linebacker Vosean Joseph and running back Jordan Scarlett are others considering leaving school early for the NFL. – AP College Football
*Vosean Joseph – Noteworthy
Florida linebacker Vosean Joseph has decided to leave school early and enter the NFL draft. The junior announced his decision via social media Wednesday, saying “my Mom and Dad have always told me to go after my dreams.” He adds that he’s developed “as a player but even more so as a person” during his three years at Florida. Joseph led the Gators (10-3) with 93 tackles this season, including a goal-line stop on fourth down against Michigan in the Peach Bowl. Nine of his tackles were for a loss, including four sacks. He also had four pass breakups. He was at his best against LSU in early October, finishing with 14 tackles and two sacks. Joseph is the fourth Florida player to turn pro in recent weeks. Defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson declared for the draft in late November. Offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor and defensive end Jachai Polite did the same following the Peach Bowl. Running backs Lamical Perine and Jordan Scarlett are still weighing their options. – AP College Football
Jon Greenard – Noteworthy
Former Louisville linebacker Jonathan Greenard has enrolled at Florida as a graduate transfer and will be eligible to play in 2019. The 6-foot-4, 263-pounder from Hiram, Georgia, missed most of last season because of a wrist injury sustained in the opener. He led the Cardinals with 15 1/2 tackles for loss in 2017, including a team-high seven sacks, and was named a team captain last year. Greenard played for current Florida defensive coordinator Todd Grantham as a redshirt freshman in 2016. Greenard could help the Gators offset the loss of linebacker Vosean Joseph and maybe pass-rushers Jachai Polite and CeCe Jefferson. Joseph and Polite left school early to enter the NFL draft. Jefferson was a senior. Joseph led Florida with 93 tackles, including four sacks, in 2018. Polite tied a school record with six forced fumbles and finished with 11 sacks, two shy of Alex Brown’s school record set in 1999. – AP College Football