Florida’s Taylor, Robinson, McCalister all headed to NFL
Florida is losing three of its top players to the NFL.
Gators head coach Jim McElwain announced Monday that running back Kelvin Taylor, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and defensive lineman Alex McCalister all plan to enter the NFL draft.
Taylor has been a significant contributor in each of his three years with the Gators. He emerged as the team’s top backfield option this season and has 985 yards and 13 touchdowns headed into the New Year’s Day Citrus Bowl matchup against Florida.
Taylor also rushed for 565 yards and six touchdowns in 2014 and 508 yards and four touchdowns as a true freshman in 2013. In those three seasons, the 5-foot-10, 205-pound Taylor combined for 24 catches for 179 yards as well.
Robinson, also a junior, has had an up-and-down career in Gainesville. He’s produced on the field, but had issues with discipline off the field. Robinson was suspended for the regular season finale against Florida State for violating a team rule but was later reinstated for the SEC title game following a vote from a vote from the team’s seniors. Robinson has missed four games in his career due to various suspensions.
Robinson leads the Gators with 47 catches this season and is second with 505 yards. His best season came in 2014 when he hauled in 53 passes for 810 yards and seven scores, leading the Gators in all three categories. He added five catches for 23 yards as a true freshman in 2013.
Like Robinson, McCalister has also had his share of disciplinary issues. He was suspended for the season opener for violating athletic department policy. On top of that, a report emerged over the weekend saying McCalister, a redshirt junior defensive end, had been dismissed from the team. As of Monday morning, McCalister’s name still appears on the Gators’ roster.
In nine games this season, McCalister registered 26 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He has been nursing a foot injury and hasn’t played since Nov. 14. He is not expected to play in the Citrus Bowl.
McCalister emerged as a starter in 2014 and had 23 tackles, nine tackles for loss and six sacks. He had three tackles in limited action as a redshirt freshman in 2013.
Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, another junior, is also expected to declare for the draft, though his decision has not been revealed. He is considered to be a surefire first round pick.
For more Florida news, visit InsideTheGators.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
