Gators defensive end Zachary Carter announced that he will play college football this fall despite concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Florida's Zachary Carter commits to play despite coronavirus concerns

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 8/20/20

Florida Gators defensive end Zachary Carter took to Twitter to announce that he will play college football this fall despite concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Been in deep thought lately since COVID-19 had my dad at his lowest in July & August," Carter explained. "Then on August 3rd, my mom's friend of 29 year died of COVID-19. She was a true Gator fan who came to a lot of my games. Looking forward to ballin out in honor of all COVID-19 fighters and victims. Go Gators!"

Earlier this month, the fourth-year junior joined players from the Pac-12 in criticizing the NCAA and schools over return-to-play protocols viewed as unsatisfactory by many:

pic.twitter.com/GBS7clNEAv
— Zachary L Carter (@_ZachAttacks) August 2, 2020

Enough is enough
— Zachary L Carter (@_ZachAttacks) August 2, 2020

Until we start using our platforms and speaking up for ourselves how we should, the NCAA will continue to take advantage of us‼️ There is power in unity
— Zachary L Carter (@_ZachAttacks) August 2, 2020

The Pac-12 and Big Ten postponed football and other fall sports through the end of the year on Aug. 11.

On Monday, Zach Abolverdi of GatorsTerritory wrote how Carter had skipped out on practice sessions because he didn't feel safe.

Carter tallied 4.5 sacks and 30 total tackles during the 2019 campaign.

Back in April, Zach Goodall of Sports Illustrated wrote:

"While Carter was on the field for less than half of the team's defensive snaps in 2019 (48.4%), he tallied 4.5 sacks (second on the team), and 20 quarterback pressures according to PFF (tied for third). In a bigger role this year, Carter should emerge as a disruptive edge rusher."

More must-reads: