For the second time in five days, Florida linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper is entering his name into the transfer portal, according to Gators Online.
Hopper made news last Thursday by spending just over an hour in the portal before removing his name. Whatever led him to withdraw didn’t stick, and it appears that he’s prepared to move on from Florida with his reentry on Monday.
Auburn is the early favorite to land Hopper, especially after former Gators coach Christian Robinson landed with the Tigers. Missouri is another potential destination with his cousin Tyrone recently transferring there.
Losing Hopper is a major blow to Billy Napier‘s defense in 2022. He established himself as one of the team’s best playmakers this season and was expected to be a starter alongside Ventrell Miller, who is returning for his sixth year after suffering a torn bicep in 2021. Mohamoud Diabate already transferred to Utah, so Florida is left without much experience at linebacker without Hopper.
David Reese and Derek Wingo are next up on the depth chart, but younger players such as Chief Borders or Jeremiah “Scooby” Williams could get a shot at some more playing time as well. There’s also incoming freshman Shemar James, who wouldn’t flinch at the idea of playing regularly in his first year.
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