Photo credit: Matthew Hinton, Associated Press
Florida’s offense may be losing some skill position players, but now we know that at least one of them with an ambivalent future is coming back: Justin Shorter.
Shorter announced on twitter that he plans to return in 2022, simply stating: “Unfinished business. #OneMoreYear.
With veterans Xzavier Henderson and Trent Whittemore set to come back, the return of Justin Shorter gives Anthony Richardson (or whoever the Gators’ QB is, but I think it’s fairly safe to assume it will be Richardson) another proven playmaker to throw the ball to.
Shorter reeled in 41 catches for 550 yards and three touchdowns in 2021, numbers that are actually far more impressive than they appear at first glance when you factor in the Gators’ various struggles at the QB position. Shorter also caught 25 passes for 268 yards in 2020 in a crowded wide receiver room that also included the now-departed Kadarius Toney and Trevon Grimes (not to mention tight end Kyle Pitts) with Kyle Trask at the reins of the offense.
Initially a five star prospect coming out of Monmouth Junction, NJ, Justin Shorter signed with Penn State, but played sparingly in Happy Valley- although he did flash plenty of talent when he got his chances. He transferred to Florida following his sophomore campaign in 2019, and was then granted immediate eligibility.
Now, Shorter will likely be expected to shoulder an even larger workload. With the talented but inconsistent Jacob Copeland headed to the DMV to play for Maryland and with what’s presumed to be a far more prolific passing attack in 2022, it’s time for Shorter to really break out and have the kind of special season he’s capable of.
