On Thursday, junior cornerback Jalen “Teez” Tabor finally made the announcement we all have expected for quite some time.
And yes, he did it "the right way.”
Projected to be one of the first cornerbacks selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, Tabor announced in a letter on The Players' Tribune that he will be leaving school early and turning pro.
Tabor’s decision comes on the heels of a successful junior season, one where he racked up four interceptions (including a pick-six), six pass breakups, a sack and a fumble recovery to go along with 33 tackles in 12 appearances (all starts).
In addition, Tabor received FWAA All-America second team, AFCA second team, CBS Sports second team, Sports Illustrated second team and AP third team honors. He was also an AP and Coaches All-SEC first team selection this season.
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In three seasons as a Gator, the former five-star recruit from the 2014 has recorded 104 tackles, nine interceptions (including three pick-sixes) and 28 pass breakups.
With Tabor and Wilson draft-bound, Florida loses two players who have combined for 43 starts over the past two years (Tabor with 21, Wilson with 22). Although Florida could end up turning to Duke Dawson and/or Chauncey Gardner to play at one of the outside cornerback spots, neither of those players has a ton of experience playing at that position at the college level for the Gators.
Florida’s other cornerbacks consist of a stable of unproven options: Joseph Putu, Chris Williamson, C.J. McWilliams and McArthur Burnett. 2017 Rivals250 cornerback recruits Marco Wilson and Elijah Blades are expected to join the team in the summer, while early enrollee Shawn Davis could see time at corner but is expected to start off at safety in Gainesville.
As Tabor's decision is now finally announced, the Gators await on the announcements of defensive tackle Caleb Brantley and punter Johnny Townsend.
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