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Six former Florida Gators selected during NFL Draft

It was a great weekend for Florida Gator football, as six former players were selected in the NFL Draft, including Gainesville local Anthony Richardson getting picked fourth overall.

For his former Eastside High School head coach Cedrick Daniels, it means a lot.

“It’s a very good feeling,” said Daniels. “It’s one of those feelings that you never think that you can ever experience. For most of the time, you’re just focused on winning ball games and getting the best out of your kids and getting them a Division One scholarship or just a scholarship in general to go to college. So to go from there, to now we’re trying to make it to the NFL, and then fulfilling those expectations, is unreal.”

He also says this accomplishment is important to the local Gainesville community.

“Out of high school coaches, 32 coaches a year get that opportunity,” said Daniels, “and there’s a million schools. I’m blessed. He’s blessed. Our communities blessed. We’re very excited for it.”

Richardson is likely to compete for the Week 1 starting gig for the Colts.

He is the highest-drafted Gator quarterback in modern draft history and the first Black quarterback to be drafted from the University of Florida.

Five other Gators were drafted in days 2 and 3 of the draft. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter was picked 53rd overall by the Chicago Bears, offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence was picked 59th overall by the Buffalo Bills, linebacker Ventrell Miller was picked 121st overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, wide receiver Justin Shorter was picked 150th overall by the Bills, and linebacker Amari Burney was picked 203rd overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.

In addition to those drafted, others found NFL homes as undrafted free agents. Offensive lineman Richard Gouraige joined Torrence and Shorter in Buffalo by signing with the Bills. Safety Trey Dean III signed with the New York Jets. And safety Rashad Torrence II signed with the Los Angeles Rams.

Aileyahu is a reporter for WUFT News who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.