The Gators’ 2018 campaign ended with extreme momentum, as the Gators won 4 straight games and earned a convincing victory in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl over a solid Michigan squad. A promising offseason looked to be ahead for the Gators.
The beginning of the offseason was typical. Florida’s stars such as defensive end Jachai Polite, offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, linebacker Vosean Joseph, and running back Jordan Scarlett all declared for the NFL Draft shortly after the bowl game.
But key contributors such as wide receiver Van Jefferson, running back Lamical Perine, defensive tackle Adam Shuler, defensive end Jabari Zuniga, and linebacker David Reese all decided to return to Florida.