Napier discusses Joshua Braun's departure from Gators
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — On Tuesday Gators Online reported that Joshua Braun was planning on transferring. His father confirmed the report to Gators Online.
Braun has played in just two games this season for the Gators. He has been enrolled at Florida for three years and is close to graduating. Braun will be able to graduate soon, which is the main reason he listed as to why he left the team in the middle of the season. It’s a unique situation, a player leaving the team in the middle of the season, something Napier addressed this week.
“I think a tough situation for Josh. You know, I think any time, you know, a lot of things going on there relative to big picture for him personally with his wife, his degree, certainly his role on the team,” Napier said. “Josh has been a class act. Extremely bright, you know, a guy that’s close to getting his degree here. You know, wants more of a role. And certainly, you know, interesting decision relative to being right in the middle of the season. But, you know, we’ve got nothing but respect in Josh and certainly will help him going forward in any way possible.”
Braun explains his decision to leave during the season
“I would like to begin by thanking Gator Nation for their tremendous support throughout the three seasons that I have spent as a Florida Gator,” Braun wrote on Twitter. “There are no better fans in the country, nor a better gameday atmosphere than The Swamp. I would also like to thank Coach Mullen and Coach Hevesy for giving me the opportunity to don the Orange and Blue, as well as Coach Napier and Coach Sale for furthering my development.
“After careful consideration with my wife and family, I have decided to enter the transfer portal on December 5th. I intend to do so as a graduate of the University of Florida. In order to do so, I am leaving the team as the class I need to graduate conflicts heavily with football. I apologize to my teammates for the timing of this announcement and departure, but I must do what is in the best interests of myself and my family. I have cherished every second that I have been a Gator, and I look forward to the next chapter of my life.”
Braun was committed to Georgia before flipping his commitment to Florida. A large part of the reason Braun recommitted from Georgia was the departure of offensive line coach Sam Pittman, who took the head coaching job at Arkansas.
Braun will be a redshirt sophomore in 2023 with three years of eligibility left due to having a free year of eligibility because of COVID.
