Dan Mullen sees bright future ahead for Florida RB transfer Lorenzo Lingard
A new name in Florida's backfield this season will be Miami transfer Lorenzo Lingard Jr., who was granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA on May 30.
He enrolled at UF in January and is now back on campus for workouts. Mullen discussed the addition of Lingard during his Zoom call with reporters Tuesday.
"I think he'll be great for the room because I think he's a real positive guy," Mullen said. "From what I've seen, he works hard in our offseason conditioning, worked hard, got a real positive attitude. I love his personality and I really like who he is as a person."
Lingard will be the first five-star recruit for the Gators at running back since Ciatrick Fason. He'll compete against Dameon Pierce and Malik Davis for the starting job, with Iverson Clement and Nay'Quan Wright also vying for playing time.
Mullen couldn't speak to Lingard's readiness and impact on the rotation until the team gets on the practice field, but said his presence is already felt in the locker room.
"He's adding a really positive impact to the team and the program," Mullen said. "I'm really excited about that because he has really positive energy, he has a great attitude and a great work ethic. So I think all of those are really bright for his future, and I'm really happy he's a part of the program."
UF has to replace senior starter Lamical Perine, a fourth-round pick by the New York Jets who served as a dual-threat back in Mullen's offense. He rushed for 676 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 2019, while catching 40 for 262 yards on 40 catches and five more scores.
Despite the void at the position and Florida's overall lack of production in the ground game last season, Lingard told Gators Territory the coaches didn't make him any promises during his transfer process.
“They didn’t tell me I could come in and make an impact. They told me that I was going to have to earn a spot,” Lingard said. “I told them I was willing to work hard and give my all at Florida. There’s a Gator Standard that I have to learn so I can help them win football games.”
In addition to Lingard, waiver requests have also been submitted for wide receiver transfers Jordan Pouncey (Texas) and Justin Shorter (Penn State), a former five-star recruit. Mullen indicated UF is in wait-and-see mode with them.
“We either get the waiver has been granted or denied. That’s about what you get,” he said. “We might be more having an idea because they’ll say, ‘Hey, we need more information about this or more information about something else.’ While they’re reviewing the case. We’ll get some of that stuff that know how they’re reviewing it, how they’re considering it, how they’re looking at it. By what they’re asking for for further information.”