Florida football adds lineman O’Cyrus Torrence as impact transfer from Louisiana

By Adam Silverstein
January 17, 2022

Football

The transfer portal has been kind to the Florida Gators so far this offseason, especially when it comes to players departing the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. On Monday, Florida acquired arguably its most impactful signing yet as offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence announced that he has decided to join the program.

Torrence has started 38 of the 39 games he’s played over three seasons at Louisiana and stands as the 19th ranked prospect available in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports. He was an All-Sun Belt first team selection during his junior season in 2021 and has two years of eligibility remaining.

Given the Gators’ dire need to beef up their offensive line, Torrence’s addition comes at an important time in the transition under head coach Billy Napier.

Florida has now added five key transfers over the last couple of weeks. Former Ohio State quarterback Jack Miller (No. 154) and former Georgia cornerback Jalen Kimber (unlisted) were the two highest-rated as high school prospects, but Napier has also brought in three players from the Cajuns of whom with he and the staff are quite familiar.

In addition to Torrence, running back Montrell Johnson (No. 48) and offensive tackle Kamryn Waites (No. 25) previously agreed to transfer in from Louisiana. Joining them are a number of staff members along with a bunch of on-field assistants who previously coached under Napier: co-defensive coordinator Patrick Toney, offensive coordinator Rob Sale (via New York Giants), running backs coach Jabbar Juluke, assistant offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton and tight ends coach William Peagler (via Michigan State).

Florida now has the No. 2 ranked transfer class for 2022, according to 247Sports, behind only rival Florida State.