Two Gators projected to sit during bowl season by 247Sports
The Florida Gators secured bowl eligibility with their win over the South Carolina Gamecocks two weeks ago, but the team might be without two of its best players when the postseason finally comes around. 247Sports took a shot at projecting which players are likely to sit out for their team’s bowl game, and for Florida, those names are quarterback Anthony Richardson and guard O'Cyrus Torrence.
Both players have first-round potential, but Richardson lacks the experience Torrence has and could end up staying another year. Running back Montrell Johnson Jr. has already begun openly recruiting Richardson to return for another year, but several NFL scouts and draft analysts believe his natural talent will override his lack of experience when the draft comes around. If Richardson has made up his mind, the Florida State game on Friday could be his last appearance in the Orange in Blue.
Torrence’s impending departure is much more of a sure thing. Pro Football Focus has graded him as the top guard in the country all year and he could be the first player at his position off the board. A First Team All-Sun Belt player a year ago, Torrence followed Billy Napier to the Swamp and has shined playing against SEC talent. If that’s not a stamp of approval for NFL scouts, it’s hard to say what is.
Losing both players might spell doom for the Gators come bowl season, but it’s the new reality of college football. When there’s money on the line, it’s smarter to stay healthy than play in a minor bowl game that could cost a player millions if something goes wrong.
Nothing is official yet and both men could end up playing in Florida’s bowl game when all is said and done, but no one would be surprised if they end up sitting.
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