UF's Griffin McDowell has entered the transfer portal
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gators redshirt junior tight end Griffin McDowell will be leaving the Florida football program. Matt Zenitz of On3 was the first to report.
McDowell will have one year left to play on his college eligibility. He graduated last spring with a degree in Sociology, which allowed him to immediately enter the transfer portal.
“It’s been a true blessing and honor to play and earn my degree at the Univerity of Florida,” McDowell wrote. “I want to thank Coach Mullen for allowing me to be a part of this special program and the opportunity of being a Gator. Thank you to Coach Savage and his strength staff for pouring into me and developing me into the player and man I am today. Thank you to Coach Napier and his staff for furthering my development as an athlete here at the University of Florida.
“The memories that I have made with my teammates and coaches will be something I will cherish forever. Gainesville, Florida, and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will always have a special place in my heart. With much thought and prayer, I’ve decided to enter my name into the transfer portal as a grad student.
McDowell has appeared in 40 games throughout his time in Gainesville. He began his career as an offensive lineman, playing 13 games as a reserve under head coach Dan Mullen. He was moved to the defensive line with that staff, where he remained when Billy Napier took over.
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McDowell had trouble finding playing time on offense or defense during his five years in Gainesville. He was an active member on special teams, playing on punt protection and on the field goal unit.
McDowell is the sixth member of the Florida Gators to enter the transfer portal this year. The portal will officially open for those who are wishing to find a new home but have yet to graduate from their current school on December 5.
McDowell makes a position change in the spring
A team player, McDowell was quick to step in when Billy Napier and the Gators needed him. In spring camp both Jonathan Odom and Nick Elksnis went down with injuries. That left the Gators with a glaring hole at tight end. McDowell was asked and accepted a position change to tight end.
“You just see guys sold for the team and what coach Napier has going on. Like you said, you got a guy like Noah, Griff [Griffin McDowell), Dante Lang, them boys get asked to move and they take that role and do it the best they can,” Ventrell Miller said in the spring. “Just team players. Like, they’ll do anything for the team, instead of just caught in a vibe, them boys getting better every day. So, definitely a lot of respect for those guys.”
