Back Southern Pigskin

Back To SEC

Florida’s Elam and Floyd Elect for Draft

By Matthew Osborne
SouthernPigskin.com
Follow us at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.  Become a fan at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

Safety Matt Elam and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd announced they will forego their final seasons of eligibility in Gainesville in order to enter the 2013 NFL draft.

Shortly after Florida’s surprising 33-23 loss to Louisville in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, the Gators received some disappointing, albeit expected news regarding next season’s team.

Safety Matt Elam and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, both juniors, announced that they will forego their final seasons of eligibility in Gainesville in order to enter the 2013 NFL draft.

Both Elam and Floyd are considered to be potential first round picks for the upcoming draft.

"I've been playing football for a lot of years, so this is what football players get ready for and this is what we prepare to get to, so I'm ready," Floyd said following Florida’s loss.

Floyd became a first-team All-SEC performer after making the transition from defensive end to defensive tackle this offseason. He finished the 2012 season with a team-high 13 tackles for loss, despite being bothered by nagging injuries for the majority of the year.

Elam was a first-team All-American selection for the Gators this season, and he is widely considered to be the top strong safety prospect in this year’s draft.

"I had three great years," Elam commented. "I did all I can for the team. I played my heart out. Now it's time to take care of the family."

Fellow Florida juniors Dominique Easley and Jordan Reed have yet to publically announce their intentions regarding the draft. Both players would be projected as second or third round picks should they elect to leave Gainesville
 

Matthew Osborne - With an extensive background in both writing and high school recruiting, Matt serves as the Editor and Director of Recruiting for Southern Pigskin. Once serving as the South Region Senior Scout for a national scouting service, Matt is very familiar with the top football prospects in the south. If it is a weekend in the fall, you can rest assured that Matt is on the road watching some of the top high school and college games in the region. To keep up with all of the latest recruiting news in the south, be sure to follow Matt on Twitter: @MattOsborneSP. You can email him at matt@southernpigskin.com.