Florida Gators transfer portal: How has the portal class performed in 2023
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators had the second most players leave their team in the transfer portal (after Colorado). With five games already completed, we take a look at how Florida’s transfer class — both incoming and outgoing — has fared.
De la Torre’s take
Florida did a really good job in the first transfer portal window. They added starters at quarterback, right tackle, right guard, and nose tackle. Kiyaunta Goodwin would likely be a starter prior to him leaving to be closer to family. The Gators are also getting contributions from several other transfer portal players, but the class as a whole is big-time hit or miss.
Of the players that left, none are more sorely missed than Michael Tarquin and Joshua Braun. The Gators’ offensive line has been hard to watch when they’re asked to run block. Tarquin and Braun would both be starters on this Gators’ offensive line. Of the other players that departed only, perhaps, Jordan Young and Nick Elksnis would be making an impact for the team this season.
Florida Gators transfer in
Mertz has been Florida’s starting quarterback since fall camp. The Wisconsin transfer has completed 79% of his pass attempts for 1,198 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. While he hasn’t been able to lead the Gators to wins with his arm against Utah or Kentucky, he has been a steady, positive presence for the team and is the second-highest-rated offensive player on the team.
George has been the Gators’ starting right tackle this season. He has had a rough go of things as a pass blocker allowing nine pressures in five games and one sack. His 56.2 pass-blocking grade is the worst among Florida offensive linemen who have played in at least three games.
Mazzccua has been Florida’s starting right guard this season. He hasn’t lived up to his former All-Big 12 billing. Mazzccua has allowed three pressures and two sacks this season.
Mitchell came to Florida from Ohio State and was penciled in as one of the two starting linebackers. He was passed up by Shemar James and Scooby Williams — the two younger players have put together a good season. Now, Mitchell, who is in his last season, plays on special teams and as a reserve linebacker on defense.
Jackson has started every game and was the Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week following Florida’s win over Tennessee in week three.
Hudson was in a car accident that kept him away from the practice field in fall camp and forced him to miss the Utah game. He has been the Gators’ highest-graded pass blocker (81.9) per Pro Football Focus.
The Michigan transfer hasn’t been able to crack the starting lineup this season. With Miguel Mitchell on the injury report, Moten will have a chance to play more this week against Vanderbilt.
Nunnery has seen action in all five games mostly on special teams.
Carroll was working his way into the rotation and one of the Gators’ brightest transfers prior to an injury. Carroll suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Gators’ second scrimmage of fall camp. He can and plans to return to Florida in 2024.
Spurlock has not appeared in a game this season.
Jackson has not played this season.
Ivory has not played this season.
How the players who transferred out are doing
Michael Tarquin – USC
Tarquin is starting for the Trojans who are a playoff contender.
Xzavier Henderson – Cincinnati
Henderson has 30 receptions for 414 yards and one touchdown this season.
Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. – Virginia Tech
Powell-Ryland has 17 tackles, five tackles for a loss, three sacks, three quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles this season.
David Conner – Colorado
Conner has not seen any game action.
Ethan White – USC (no longer with the team)
White left the Trojans and is not currently playing football.
Daejon Reynolds – Pittsburgh
Reynolds has hauled in eight passes for 90 yards.
Nay’Quan Wright – USF
Wright is second on the Bulls with 70 carries for 270 yards and two touchdowns.
Jordan Young – Cincinnati
Young has 12 tackles, 0.5 tackles for a loss, and three pass breakups this season.
David Reese – Cal
Reese has 12 tackles, one for a loss, one sack, and one quarterback hurry.
Tre’Vez Johnson – Missouri
Johnson has played in all five games this season. He has 12 tackles and returned one kick for 20 yards.
Yousef Mugharbil – Colorado – N.C. State
The offensive linemen transferred to Colorado and then to N.C. State this offseason. He has not played.
Trent Whittemore – UCF
Whittemore has appeared in five games, making two starts, but has not recorded a catch or a statistic this season.
Diwun Black – Temple
Black has recorded 14 tackles, 3.5 for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and has one quarterback hurry.
Lorenzo Lingard – Akron
Lingard leads the Zips with 238 rushing yards on 44 carries. He’s scored one touchdown rushing and one receiving.
Jalen Lee – LSU
Lee has played in four games as a reserve for the Tigers. He has recorded two tackles.
Chief Borders – Nebraska
Borders has played in all five games for the Cornhuskers. He has recorded five tackles.
Kamar Wilcoxson – Temple
Wilcoxson has recorded five tackles this year.
Lloyd Summerall – USF
Summerall has played in four games. He has recorded 13 tackles, two for a loss, has one sack and one quarterback hurry.
Nick Elksnis – South Carolina
Elksnis has played in just two games and has not recorded a catch.
Corey Collier – Nebraska
Collier has played in just two games this season for a total of 18 snaps.
Avery Helm – TCU
Helm has played in every game for TCU this season. He has registered 12 tackles, one for a loss, and broken up four passes.
Donovan McMillon – Pittsburgh
McMillon leads the Panthers with 44 tackles this season. He has also broken up one pass.
Griffin McDowell – Chatanooga
Has played in four games and is the Mocs’ second-best graded pass blocker and sixth-best run blocker on their offensive line.
Marco Ortiz – Nebraska
Has played in every game for Nebraska.
Joshua Braun – Arkansas
Braun has been one of Arkansas’ best offensive linemen this season. He is their best pass blocker (79.1) and their second-best run blocker (73.8)
Thomas is not playing football in 2023.
McDaniel is not playing football in 2023.
Child pornography charges were dropped and Kitna pled “no contest” to two lesser misdemeanor charges. He has not enrolled at a new school.
The post Florida Gators transfer portal: How has the portal class performed in 2023 appeared first on On3.
