Ad Disclosure
Florida is looking to build for a 2025 breakthrough under Billy Napier. While a lot of the future rests on the performance of quarterback DJ Lagway, the Gators are adding some depth via the transfer portal.
On Sunday, former Charlotte QB Deshawn Purdie revealed was committing to Florida. Purdie was just a 3-star prospect out of Maryland in the 2024 recruiting class but appeared in 9 games for Charlotte as a true freshman.
In 9 games as a true freshman, Purdie completed exactly 50% of his passes but threw for 1,802 yards and 10 touchdowns with 6 interceptions. How he figures into the depth chart remains to be seen, but it’s no surprise to see Florida try and improve its depth.
Graham Mertz is out of eligibility after the 2024 season, and injuries took a toll on the QB room this fall. At times, both Mertz and Lagway were injured, leading the Gators to also play Aidan Warner in 6 games this season.
Florida was 4-5 at one point this season before rattling off 4 straight wins, including an upset of No. 9 Ole Miss in the 2nd-to-last week of the regular season. The Gators ended the year with a strong bowl game win over Tulane, and the full attention now turns to 2025.
While there will be pressure on Napier to get this thing turned around, the early signs point to a potential breakthrough on the horizon.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
