Richardson made the announcement on social media Monday afternoon.
“After much prayer, consideration, and speaking with my family, I have decided to forgo the upcoming bowl game and my remaining years of college eligibility to enter the 2023 draft,” Richardson posted on Twitter. “As I take my next step in this journey, I will always be a Gator and strive to make Gator Nation proud.”
The 6-foot-4, 232-pound Richardson started all 12 regular-season games in his only season at the team’s primary starting quarterback. Florida finished 6-6 and will face Oregon State later this month in the Las Vegas Bowl without Richardson.
Marathon continues… 🏁 pic.twitter.com/3UqmJIWE1d
— Anthony Richardson † (@GVOaant) December 5, 2022
A product of Eastside High in Gainesville, Richardson developed into a fan favorite in 2021 when he spelled starter Emory Jones at times and made several highlight-reel plays. Richardson experienced the ups and downs of being a starter in 2022, leading the Gators to an upset win over Utah in the season opener to earn Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors. He also finished 9 of 27 in Florida’s 45-38 loss at Florida State 10 days ago in Tallahassee.
The 20-year-old Richardson passed for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions this season, and added 654 yards rushing and nine scores. While Richardson’s performance was inconsistent at times, he displayed dynamic athletic ability and a strong right arm that has garnered attention since he first joined the program in December of 2019 for bowl practices.
Richardson is considered a potential first-round pick because he possesses enormous physical gifts and won’t be 21 until after April’s draft.
Richardson is the fourth Gators player to announced he is forgoing another season of college eligibility to enter the draft, joining teammates O’Cyrus Torrence, Gervon Dexter and Justin Shorter.
With Richardson’s departure and the dismissal last week of backup Jalen Kitna, the Gators have Ohio State transfer Jack Miller II and true freshman Max Brown at quarterback.
— This story will be updated at a later time.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Florida Gators…