Florida Gators football feels like it has been gutted these past few weeks as players have opted out of their final year of NCAA eligibility to enter the 2021 NFL Draft, including star tight end and Biletnikoff Award finalist Kyle Pitts.
However, it is not all doom and gloom in Gainesville these days despite finishing the 2020 season with a three-game losing streak. A bulwark on the defensive line and a presence in the locker room, redshirt junior Zachary Carter will return to The Swamp to play out his final year of eligibility next fall. The announcement was made on his personal Instagram account last week; here is what he had to say.
“Signing my NLI with the University of Florida was the best decision I have ever made. I am forever grateful for the support given and the relationships I have built since arriving on campus. 2020 has been a challenging year, but this decision has probably been the most difficult.
I have been presented with the opportunity to declare for the NFL draft. Howver, after discussions with my coaches, parents, people closest to me, and a lot of prayer, I have decided to return for my senior year at the University of Florida.
I know my work on and off the field in Gainesville is not yet complete. This upcoming year, I look forward to obtaining my degree and assisting in leading my team to an SEC and National Championship.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJep0tuFB1W/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Carter played in 11 of Florida’s 12 games this past season, recording 35 total tackles — 14 solo and 21 assisted — while notching five sacks and nine total tackles for a loss. He also defended two passes and returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
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