Florida OL O’Cyrus Torrence declares for 2023 NFL Draft; LB David Reese, DB Corey Collier to transfer

Football

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Image Credit: Hannah White, UAA

Florida Gators junior offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence announced Sunday night his decision to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft and forego his final season of collegiate eligibility. Torrence, a transfer from Louisiana, joined followed head coach Billy Napier to Florida after two years blocking for the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Arguably the Gators’ most valuable player this season, Torrence completely reshaped the offense as a dominant, reliable run blocker and pass protector. He was the lynchpin for an offensive line that only allowed sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson to be sacked 12 times in as many games, and his leadership paved the way for stellar rushing seasons from running backs sophomore Montrell Johnson Jr. and freshman Trevor Etienne.

Torrence, who may potentially be named a unanimous All-America selection for his performance at Florida, is largely considered the top available guard in the draft and a sure-fire first-round pick.

“While I was only a Gator for one year, I want to thank you Gator Nation for your support and making me feel like family. There’s nothing in the world like playing in The Swamp!” Torrence said after thanking his coaches and teammates. “However, I would never have been a Gator without Cajun Nation and UL. You believed in me at the beginning and provided me an opportunity to display my talent. Without that opportunity, I wouldn’t have been able to show the world what I am capable of!”

Torrence is the third Gators starter to declare for the draft joining redshirt junior wide receiver Justin Shorter and redshirt junior linebacker Brenton Cox, the latter of whom announced his intention after being dismissed from the program in October.

Coupled with Torrence’s decision came two additional departures.

Earlier Sunday, redshirt freshman safety Corey Collier Jr. announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. A former four-star prospect ranked 106th nationally in the Class of 2021, Collier saw action in just five games over his two seasons with most of his snaps coming on special teams. Later in the day, redshirt junior LB David Reese announced his transfer decision. Though Reese played in all 12 games this season, he only saw limited action.

With Torrence, Collier and Reese choosing not to return, Florida now has 17 players who have either declared for the draft, entered the transfer portal or been dismissed from the team. The Gators expect significantly more attrition to come, which it will need to sign its recruiting class and add its own transfers out of the portal.