Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is leaving school early and entering the NFL draft.
Gardner-Johnson announced his decision Monday night on Twitter. The junior plans to play in Florida's bowl game.
Gardner-Johnson says he based his decision on wanting to maximize his value in the NFL draft.
He says "along with this decision, I want Gator Nation to know that I am 100 PERCENT COMMITTED to my team and this program as we look to finish the season strong at our bowl game next month."
Gardner-Johnson has been one of Florida's most improved players in 2018, posting 66 tackles, including nine for a loss. He also has three sacks and two interceptions.
The 11th-ranked Gators (9-3) are expected to have several players leave early, including defensive end Jachai Polite, linebacker Vosean Joseph and offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor.
___
More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP\_Top25
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
