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Florida Gators unexpectedly lose player to NFL Draft, leaves gaping hole on defense

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Tyler Forness | Last updated Dec 26, 2024 8:54 PM ET

The last few weeks have been great for the Florida Gators. They got a huge win in the Gasparilla Bowl 33-8 over the Tulane Green Wave with quarterback DJ Lagway winning MVP, along with getting some huge recruiting wins after early signing day.

The Gators finished with the 11th-ranked recruiting class along with scoring some huge wins in the transfer portal led by wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant.

Gators lose star linebacker to NFL Draft

Not every piece of news has been great for the Gators. They lost edge rushers Jack Pyburn and T.J. Searcy to the transfer portal and inside linebacker Shemar James just announced his intentions to enter the NFL Draft.

James was a multi-year starter for the Gators at linebacker and was very impactful in open space. During his career, James made 165 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and 1 interception. He had one season of eligibility remaining but will be forgoing that to enter the draft.

The Gators were counting on him to be the starter at middle linebacker, but they have Myles Graham ready to take over at that spot. He flashed as a true freshman this season and the Gators have high hopes for Graham.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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