Photo: O'Cyrus Torrence; Credit: Alex Shepherd
Florida offensive lineman O'Cyrus Torrence is the prospect of choice for the Buffalo Bills with their No. 59 overall selection in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Torrence becomes the third Florida player taken in this year's draft, following quarterback Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts, first round, No. 4 overall) and defensive lineman Gervon Dexter (Chicago Bears, second round, No. 53 overall).
A Greensburg, La., native, Torrence originally signed with Louisiana as a consensus low-three-star prospect in the class of 2019, over offers from Georgia, Louisiana Tech, ULM, South Alabama and Middle Tennessee.
Despite his rating as a prospect, Torrence immediately emerged as a contributor on the Ragin' Cajuns' offensive line and one of the best trench-men in college football. He manned a first-team role for each of his three seasons at UL.
Torrence took his competition up a couple of levels ahead of his senior season. Following his Louisiana head coach, Billy Napier, to the SEC, Torrence transferred to Florida in Jan. 2022 and continued to man the right guard spot in a system he knew like the back of his hand.
He didn't skip a beat. In fact, the 6-foot-5 3/8, 330-pound Torrence played the best ball of his career against better talent.
According to Pro Football Focus, Torrence produced a single-season high run-blocking grade of 89.9 out of 100 with the Gators in 2022. He continued his unheard-of streak of starts without allowing a sack, 46, finishing his college tenure without allowing his quarterback to be taken to the ground across 1,501 reps in pass protection.
Torrence earned unanimous All-American honors for his performance as a senior at UF.
"He’s a proven player," Napier said of Torrence at Florida's March 28 Pro Day. "He played really well at the Group of Five level for three years and then came to this league. And then, you know, held his own.
"I think you're getting a guy who can hit the ground running. Really good in the run game, pass game and also has leadership traits, good communicator, high character, smart football player. So, very dependable, very consistent, tough, durable and some freaky, freaky physical traits as well.”
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