During the post-spring transfer window, the Florida Gators have experienced their first departure through the NCAA transfer portal. After just one season in Gainesville, veteran linebacker Mannie Nunnery has made the decision to use the portal and pursue his career elsewhere.
With one year of eligibility left, Nunnery will be departing the Gators program, according to a report from Jacob Rudner of 247Sports. A year after redshirting in 2019, the super senior was able to keep his spot in 2020 because of COVID-19.
Prior to moving to Florida last year, Nunnery played four seasons of NCAA ball at Houston. He recorded 81 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three kick blocks to establish himself as a valuable member of the special teams unit during his tenure with the Cougars.
In 2022, when the seasoned linebacker joined the Gators, the expectation was that he would contribute excellent depth and special teams skills. Nunnery ended up starting three games for Florida’s defence in fall and totaling 28 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks.
But this year’s spring practice seems to lessen his role. Nunnery played mostly with the second team defence in the spring game on Saturday, although he did manage to record an interception in that game, even though he removed his name from the transfer portal during the winter window.
Nunnery’s retirement is imminent, so the Gators will look to Shemar James and Derek Wingo, two seasoned starters, to guide the linebacker corps. Increased reps are also probably in store for reserves like RJ Moten, Deuce Spurlock II, Jaden Robinson, and Grayson “Pup” Howard. Along with 2024 signee Aaron Chiles, a top-100 prospect who arrives this summer, Myles Graham, an early enrollee, the incoming freshman, adds depth.
The NCAA’s transfer portal window opened on April 15 and ends on April 30. Nunnery’s transfer puts Florida at the 85-man scholarship limit. It’s undoubtedly disappointing to lose a linebacker with years of Power 5 experience, but the Gators have a bright young roster to try to make up for Nunnery’s loss.
