The trickle of draft-eligible Florida Gators making their way out of Gainesville continues this afternoon as, as expected, defensive end Carlos Dunlap has announced he is jumping to the NFL.
The lineman told the Charleston Post & Courier that he was indeed foregoing his final collegiate season. The decision will be announced at a press conference this afternoon.
“This took a lot of thought and prayer between me and my family, and we decided that this was the best direction for me to take,” Dunlap said in a statement. “I’ve loved having the chance to play at Florida for Coach (Urban) Meyer, and playing for Coach Charlie Strong. I wouldn’t be the person or the player I am today without them and the other coaches who have helped me along the way.”
Head coach Urban Meyer took time out from his leave of absence to say that Dunlap is ready to make the leap to the next level.
“Carlos has all of the physical tools to be successful at the next level,” said Meyer. “I believe if he continues to grow and mature he will have a very long career in the NFL. He provided matchup problems for opposing teams and was a big part of our success during the last several years. We wish him the best of luck.”
Dunlap joins center Maurkice Pouncey, who announced his intentions earlier this morning, and cornerback Joe Haden and tight end Aaron Hernandez, who made their announcements in the last week or so, as Gators who have decided to leave early.
And just how did we know that? Because we remembered to click HERE for the CFT underclassmen tracker.