Richard Gouraige turning pro after 40-plus starts with the Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Richard Gouraige is the latest Florida player to leave for the 2023 NFL Draft, announcing his decision on Monday following his final outing with the Gators.

Gouraige had already decided to turn pro weeks ago and said the Las Vegas Bowl was his last game, but he wanted to play in it before officially declaring. He never considered skipping the bowl.

“I always told myself I wanted to finish this season,” Gouraige said last Monday. “I know deep down I would feel bad for myself sitting at home or wherever I’m training at knowing I’m not in the game helping my brothers the best way I can or pouring into the younger guys. I feel like I would be a hindrance to the team rather than being a help to the team. I just wanted to play my last game with my brothers, knowing I’d do anything to help them.”

Gouraige, who has one year of eligibility remaining, finishes his college career with 42 total starts over the last four seasons and 51 games played. He started five games as a redshirt freshman and has been a full-time starter since, first as a left guard and the past two years at left tackle.

Gouraige earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology during the spring and represented the Gators at SEC Media Days this past July. He was voted as one of the team captains by the players.

“Knowing it’s my last game to wear that orange and blue, it’s going to hit me in the fourth quarter that I’m never going to wear this jersey again,” Gouraige said the day before the Las Vegas Bowl.

Gouraige was one of the last players to leave the locker room after the game. As he exited, Gouraige told Gators Online that he was emotional about playing with his teammates for the last time. Florida coach Billy Napier consoled him and the other seniors following the loss to Oregon State.

“I had an opportunity to spend a little bit of time with each one of those guys in the locker room,” Napier said. “We’ve got some really good people in there. And not only the effort to improve as a football player and their role and how they contribute to the team and how they play, but more importantly just their leadership and example relative to building a team. I think your veteran players have more influence and impact. And we’ve seen those individual players grow, and I think I’m probably most proud of them. When I think about 2022, I’m going to think those five, six, seven guys who are in there that this is their last time.”

Richard Gouraige announcement

“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to pursue my dreams and for being able to use me to lead a life of purpose. It has been a true blessing to be a part of the Florida Gator Football Program over the last five years while earning my degree from such an outstanding academic institution.

“I would like to thank my mom for showing me the true meaning of perseverance. To the rest of my family. I am forever grateful for your continued support-it does not go unnoticed. I would like to thank Coach Mullen and Coach Napier as well as all my coaches (past and present), teammates, and trainers for supporting me throughout my time at the University of Florida.

“I most importantly would like to thank the Gator Nation Fans – you all have helped me grow and become a better man on and off the field. I look forward to your continued support as I declare for the 2023 NFL Draft to continue pursuing my dreams.”

Thank you GatorNation 🧡💙🐊 pic.twitter.com/wFkNgcU9Oy

— Richard Gouraige (@richardg813) December 19, 2022