After a five-year career filled with highs and lows, Gators running back Malik Davis is moving on. The redshirt senior announced via his Twitter account on Tuesday that he will not take advantage of a potential sixth year afforded to him by COVID-19 and will instead enter the 2022 NFL draft.
“To the Gator Nation, it has been a long and blessed journey,” he said in the post. “It has been a privilege to put on blue and orange on Saturdays and represent the Gators. There is nothing like running out of that tunnel and being met by 90,000 of the most amazing fans! Thank you for the cheers and support you provide in all kinds of weather.
“After much prayer and discussion with my family I have decided to forgo my last year of eligibility and enter the 2022 NFL draft. Forever a Gator!”
All Glory to the most high 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/5ibJwx6p7q
— Malik Davis (@Campaign_Lik) January 5, 2022
Davis was a three-star recruit from Tampa, but he made a major impact as a true freshman in 2017, rushing for 526 yards. That total would have been even higher if his season wasn’t ended with an injury prematurely, and it would be a while before Davis would return to form as another injury held him out of most of the 2018 season.
He was buried in the rotation a bit in 2019 and 2020, though he saw more playing time in the latter season. He finally became a feature player again this season, splitting carries with Dameon Pierce and finishing with 489 yards on 92 carries and a career-high five touchdowns.
Davis joins Zachary Carter as the only UF players that have officially declared for the draft, but that list will likely grow in the coming days. He finishes his Florida career with 284 carries for 1,472 yards and eight touchdowns to go with 70 catches for 726 yards and two touchdowns.
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