With the 2021 season in the rear-view mirror, it’s now time to begin looking ahead to next season and who the top players in the country might be. ESPN released an admittedly way-too-early 2022 All-America team in January, and Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence made the cut.
After Billy Napier left Lousiana to take over at Florida, a handful of Ragin’ Cajuns entered the transfer portal. Torrence was the highest-rated of the bunch sitting at No. 20 on 247Sports’ transfer portal player ranking. He was the top-ranked interior offensive lineman in the portal and the No. 2 offensive lineman overall. Stewart Reese is set to move on after holding down the starting right guard spot for two years, and Torrence is a strong replacement for him.
Following Billy Napier to Florida, Torrence is a big get (literally) for the Gators after starting for three years at Louisiana and twice earning All-Sun Belt Conference honors. The 6-5, 335-pound Torrence has played both left and right guard and filled in occasionally at tackle. He dominates defenders in the running game and was one of the most coveted offensive linemen this offseason in the transfer portal.
A 38-game starter at right guard for Louisiana, Torrence is more than qualified to take over the starting role for an SEC team. He also knows what Napier and his staff are looking for in a guard. He’s played under both offensive line coaches, Rob Sale and Darnell Stapleton, in the past as well.
Florida’s not the only SEC team represented on this early All-America team. Alabama had four players named to the team, and a trio of Georgia Bulldogs made it too.
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