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Oklahoma offensive lineman Michael Tarquin declared for the NFL Draft on Tuesday afternoon, ending a long collegiate journey that took him to both American coasts.
Tarquin took to his social media on Tuesday to announce that he was entering this spring’s draft, writing an emotional sendoff after spending 1 season at Oklahoma.
The 6-foot-6, 317-pounder from Ocala, Fla., wrote in part:
I want to thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for blessing me with the ability to play football as well as the amazing support system he has blessed me with,” wrote Tarquin, who in particular thanked his wife, parents, in-laws, coaches and trainers. “All of which have helped me become a better man, and a better football player.
Tarquin ended his social media message by saying: “I am extremely excited for what the future holds!”
Before arriving in Norman for what turned out to be his final collegiate season, Tarquin made 20 career starts at Florida, 10 at left guard and 10 at left tackle, before switching coasts and playing for USC in 2023.
Tarquin was flipped over to the other side of the line in Los Angeles, playing right tackle for the Trojans. But that was followed by another change of scenery, as Tarquin went from East Coast to West Coast and finally to Norman to finish off his collegiate career.
Now, he’ll be chasing NFL dollars this spring.
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.