It’s hard to argue with a player’s decision to leave the college ranks and shoot their shot at the NFL level. After all, even if you slip in the draft, you can still end up with life-changing money.
But every year, a number of players pass on the opportunity, instead choosing to bet on themselves by returning to school with the hopes of improving their draft stock (and in turn, the size of their first contract).
This year, there will be even more players making that decision, as in addition to draft-eligible sophomores and juniors, seniors will be permitted to return for an extra year of eligibility as part of the adjustments made to accommodate the COVID-19 pandemic.
CBS Sports released a list of its top-20 players who spurned the draft to return to college, and though no UF players crack the list, defensive back Trey Dean III is listed as the first honorable mention.
Dean announced his return earlier this month after Florida’s loss to Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl. In 2020, he struggled to earn a starting role, but he saw the field in nine games and had a career-high in tackles with 34. He also recovered a fumble, made a sack and intercepted Alabama quarterback Mac Jones in the SEC Championship before he fumbled after a 19-yard return.
Heading into 2021, Dean is a strong candidate to be either one of the safety starters or the starter at nickel.
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