After seeing a dramatic decrease in playing time following the coaching staff change at Florida, sophomore offensive lineman [autotag]Josh Braun[/autotag] is planning on transferring from the university, according to a report from Swamp247’s Graham Hall.
Braun won’t enter the portal until Dec. 5 due to the NCAA’s transfer regulations, but his time with the Gators has come to an end. The decision is hardly surprising considering the way Braun’s playing time has trended this year. After being on the field for 639 snaps as a sophomore, Braun has been a part of Billy Napier’s offense for just 24 plays through seven games.
But how does a part-time starter fall off so heavily? [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag]’s transfer to UF has a lot to do with it. Napier brought Torrence over from Louisiana, and he’s been among the best interior offensive lineman in the country all season. Braun had a chance to win the backup spot at right guard, but [autotag]Richie Leonard IV[/autotag] has been Florida’s man whenever one of the guards needs a breather.
Gators Online spoke with Braun’s father, Mike, and confirmed Hall’s report. With only having played in two games this season, Braun can use a redshirt and retain a year of eligibility.
“Josh had to make a decision about his future,” Mike Braun said. “He felt like he had to preserve his redshirt and enter the portal when it opens. He left the team.”
In the end, this move is what’s best for Braun’s career. He’s shown flashes of promise as a young lineman in the SEC and could help hold down a line for a team with more openings. Braun’s work at Florida isn’t exactly finished either. He is working on graduating from the university with his bachelor’s degree before he moves on, according to Hall’s report.
[mm-video type=video id=01gdg3yhc6d6jb3c59xg playlist_id=01eqbz250mdknqvm5z player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gdg3yhc6d6jb3c59xg/01gdg3yhc6d6jb3c59xg-c640babe687004c896ec7a3af514c1b9.jpg]
[lawrence-related id=94243,94264,94259,94251,94248]
[listicle id=94222]
[listicle id=94206]
[listicle id=94200]
[listicle id=94190]
[listicle id=94159]
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Let us know your thoughts and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today!