A source has told me that Florida’s star defensive end, Dante Fowler, will leave Gainesville after this season and take his talents to the NFL.
If this headline shocks you… don’t let it. This did not come as a surprise to me to hear. Most Florida fans didn’t expect to see him back in 2015 because he’s a freak of nature and could have an instant impact in the NFL. The consensus among the NFL Draft experts is that Fowler would be a first round pick, and he’d be one of the first two or three defensive ends off the board. He is an elite pass rusher with a special set of skills that few are blessed with, and with the Florida program currently in shambles- meaning the coach who recruited him is just about guaranteed not to come back- there’s really no reason for him to not make the leap now and earn some money.
Still, it’s going to hurt Florida next season. It was pretty much expected, but it’s going to difficult to replace him. I suggest we all just enjoy watching him while he can, focus on one of the few shining stars that exists on a dull, bleak team and see if he can make some memorable plays in the few games he has left as a Gator. And of course, I wish him nothing but the best going forward. Once a Gator, always a Gator.
