How good will Florida football be in 2021? Here’s former Gator Trace Armstrong’s take

As part of an ongoing series at Gators Wire with former Florida football standout Trace Armstrong we asked about his thoughts on 2021.

[mm-video type=video id=01f4wsgw8erk3ym9hfj7 playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01f4wsgw8erk3ym9hfj7/01f4wsgw8erk3ym9hfj7-8f7eb6aa00582e4f6bde2a88ff0a5b55.jpg]

Editor’s note: Gators Wire recently interviewed former Florida and NFL great Trace Armstrong to discuss a variety of topics, ranging from his youth to the modern game of football. During our conversations, he provided a plethora of fascinating anecdotes that we will share with you in a multi-part series.

Be sure to check back each Wednesday in the coming months for future installments of “Talking with Trace.” The series is part of a partnership between our colleagues at Campus Lore and the NFLPA.

Previously, we have discussed who was the greatest Gator ever and why the Miami Dolphins was such a great place for Trace, as well as his take on the NCAA and modern college football

Now that the National Football League’s 2021 draft is over and done with, the next major landmark on the horizon for Florida football fans is the 2021 season, which begins on September 4 in Gainesville against the Florida Atlantic Owls. While that day is still far in the future, it is never too early to start prognosticating.

Gators Wire editor Adam Dubbin sat down and asked former Florida football standout and NFL Pro Bowler Trace Armstrong, who is currently a sports agent who represents several big-name college football coaches as well as a handful of broadcasters, what his prediction for the Orange and Blue next season is.

Here is what he had to say on the topic.

ADAM DUBBIN: “What do you predict the Gators’ record will be next season?”

Florida quarterback Emory Jones warms up before an NCAA college football game against LSU, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

TRACE ARMSTRONG: “You know, they’re going to lose some really good players. You have a pro day here in Gainesville in a couple of weeks. Every NFL team is going to be there and the league’s going to be tough. I still think it’s going to be a good year for Florida. It’s going to come down to them and Georgia, as it should, in the East.”

October 29, 2011; Jacksonville FL, Florida Gators offensive line and Georgia Bulldogs defensive line on the line of scrimmage during the second half at EverBank Field. Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Florida Gators 24-20. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

“But I think we’re in for a little bit of a rebuild this year. So I’m going to say we win nine games this year.”

ADAM: “That works for me.”

Dec 19, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen signals from the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship.  (Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports)

Watch: ‘The NCAA needs to step up’ —Trace Armstrong’s opinion on modern college football

WATCH: Chicago’s great, but Miami’s the place for former Gator Trace Armstrong

WATCH: Florida football great Trace Armstrong selects his best Gator ever