DB Purifoy to leave Florida for NFL Draft
Florida junior defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy announced Monday that he will give up his senior season to enter the 2014 NFL Draft.
The 6-foot, 185-pound Purifoy is rated as a potential first-round pick. According to NFLDraftScout.com, he is the No. 6 draft-eligible cornerback and the No. 70 prospect overall.
"I have had a great three years at the University of Florida, but at this time I think it's best for me and my family to pursue a career in the NFL," Purifoy said. "Coach (Will) Muschamp and Coach (Travaris) Robinson have put me in a position to take the next step. I know there is still a lot of work for me ahead, but I appreciate what everyone at Florida did to get me to this point.
"As much as I look forward to playing in the NFL, I will miss my teammates and coaches and look forward to watching them play next year."
In his final game with the Gators (4-8), Purifoy had his second interception of his season in a 37-7 loss to Florida State. Earlier this year, he returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown against Arkansas.
Purifoy finished the season with 24 tackles, two interceptions, seven pass breakups and one sack. He had 102 career tackles.
"There are a lot of factors that go into making these individual and personal decisions and I'm 100 percent supportive of Loucheiz's choice to enter into the NFL draft," Muschamp said. "Loucheiz has come a long way from when I sat in his living room with his family during the recruiting process and he also knows his work is not done.
"We wish him nothing but the best of luck and watching him on Sundays. As we have with other former Gators, we encourage him to return to Florida and finish his degree."
