A number of NFL Draft-eligible players won’t suit up for their respective bowl games as they set their sights on preparing for the spring and ensuring they remain healthy. One draft-eligible player, Florida’s Kaiir Elam, very well could have done the same, especially with Dan Mullen no longer in the fold.

But the junior cornerback will indeed play in the Gasparilla Bowl against in-state foe UCF. Interim head coach Greg Knox revealed the news on Monday while meeting with the media ahead of Thursday’s contest.

Elam, who has 2 years of eligibility remaining, kept mum when asked if he would remain in college in 2022 or simply declare for the draft and set his sights toward spring.

“My plans are beat UCF and make a lot of plays,” he said when asked what his plans were.

Elam also discussed meeting new Gators head coach Billy Napier, per the Tampa Bay Times’ Matt Baker:

He recently met with new coach Billy Napier and called him a “really great guy.” Elam liked how detailed and precise Napier’s plans are, which could factor into his decision of whether to return for a fourth year or declare for the draft.

The deadline to declare for the NFL Draft is Jan. 17, and while Elam could ultimately opt to leave school, he could feel he has a little more to prove with the Gators. But fans will get to see him don a Florida jersey at least 1 more time.