8/6/2017 football Edit

Lineman transfers to Florida

Mark Wheeler • 1standTenFlorida

Publisher

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* Four-star running back commits to Florida

* South Florida recruiting notes

* No. 25 rated prospect in the nation will visit Florida

* Impact Analysis: What Copeland means to Florida

* Video: Copeland commits to Florida

* On the Mark: Florida recruiting on a roll

* GET TWO MONTHS OF FREE ACCESS

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Florida double-dipped in the good news department on Sunday afternoon. Not only did the Gators pick up a commitment from four-star running back Dameon Pierce, but defensive tackle Marlon Dunlap announced via Twitter that he was transferring from North Carolina to Florida.

"He was expected to breakout this year and give depth inside"

Dunlap is an interesting case in that though Florida evaluated him, the Gators didn't offer him in the Class of 2016. A cycle in which UF was completely shut out at the position after being jilted by Shavar Manuel on Signing Day that year.

The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder, who picked North Carolina over Tennessee, played in seven games for the Tarheels last season as a freshman, recording four tackles.

It was thought that in the coming season he would be more of a contributor, but left the team after spring ball due to personal issues.

"He left before summer workouts began," explained Jarrod Hardy of Tarheels Illustrated. "He was expected to breakout this year and give depth inside. Instead he will sit out this year as a redshirt sophomore and have three years left.

"He has huge upside."

This transfer can be looked at in a couple of different ways, including asking what it means as far as Florida's defensive tackle board for this cycle.

Florida doesn't have a senior defensive tackle on the roster, thus, unless there is some unexpected attrition, the Gators will return everyone at the position in 2018.

And while the Gators currently don't have a defensive tackle on their commitment list, Florida is in the running for four-stars such as Jordan Davis, Dante Stills, Rick Sandidage and Trevor Trout. However, their best bet at this time is probably flipping Miami commit Nesta Silvera.

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