Although it’s been a rough 24 hours for Florida football, the Gators did receiver some good news on Thursday evening.

Junior defensive lineman Zachary Carter announced he will be returning to Gainesville for his senior season. He made that choice known on Instagram.

 

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“I have been presented with the opportunity to declare for the NFL Draft,” Carter wrote in-part. “However, after discussions with my coaches, parents, people closest to me and a lot of prayer, I have decided to return for my senior year at the University of Florida.

“I know my work on and off the field in Gainesville is not yet complete. This upcoming year, I look forward to obtaining my degree and assisting in leading my team to an SEC and national championship.”

Carter had a solid junior campaign for the Gators. He played in 11 games and totaled nine tackles for loss. He also added five sacks, two pass deflections, a fumble recovery and a touchdown.

He was one of the main contributors throughout the 2020 season who did play in Florida’s Cotton Bowl loss to Oklahoma on Wednesday night. However, he wasn’t impactful, recording just one tackle in the defeat.

Despite the blowout loss, Florida accomplished things it can feel good about heading into next season. The Gators won their first SEC East title since 2016 and had a legitimate chance to make the College Football Playoff heading into the season’s final weeks.

UF opens next season at home against Florida Atlantic.