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Former Florida kicker Chris Howard transfers to new school

On3 imageby:Zach Abolverdi•06/25/22•

ZachAbolverdi

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Photo courtesy of UAA Communications

Chris Howard has found a new school, announcing his commitment Saturday to Memphis. The former Florida kicker will have one year of eligibility with the Tigers as a sixth-year senior and graduate student.

Howard, a former preferred walk-on from Ponte Vedra (Fla.) who earned a scholarship last season, served as the team’s starting kicker in 2021 before announcing his decision to transfer on April 25.

“Gator Nation, thank you for countless memories, the relationships that will last a lifetime, and for the endless support over these last five years,” Howard wrote on Twitter. “To all my coaches, trainers, professors, and to everyone else who contributed to making my journey at Florida so special, I cannot begin to say how grateful I am for the opportunities.”

Howard walked on at UF in 2017. He took a redshirt that year and wouldn’t appear in a game until 2019. After two seasons as a reserve kicker, Howard earned a scholarship last year and beat out MSU transfer Jace Christmann to replace NFL Draft pick Evan McPherson.

Howard appeared in nine games during 2021, finishing 4-for-4 on extra point attempts and recording two kickoffs for 128 yards versus FAU. On the season, he was 7-of-9 (78 percent) in field goal tries.

However, Howard faced competition this spring from walk-on Adam Mihalek. Howard missed a 32-yard field goal in the Orange & Blue Game, while Mihalek kicks from 48 and 52 yards. 

Gators have another kicker coming on campus

The Gators also added signee Trey Smack to the roster this summer. Smack committed to Dan Mullen’s staff but never wavered in his commitment.

“I committed to the school, and I would not say I committed to the coaching staff or anything about it. I’m a student-athlete first,” Smack told Gators Online.

The long line of kickers and specialists at Florida was alluring to Smack.

“They call him Money McPherson,” Smack said. “He’s pretty good, and I know his younger brother too. Florida is a really good reason why I came here, like the kickers here, like Eddy Pineiro is in the league right now and Evan McPherson.”

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