Gators coach Jim McElwain confirmed the younger Taylor's decision on Monday, along with that of wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, according to Robbie Andreu of The Gainesville Sun. However, a post to Robinson's Twitter feed on Monday suggests the junior doesn't have any such intention:
Robinson's social media assertions aside, it was clear Monday morning that McElwain expected Florida's Citrus Bowl game against Michigan on Jan. 1 to be Robinson's last. How the two could end up with completely different understandings of a matter as fundamental as whether Robinson will end his college career is difficult to fathom; further clarification is no doubt forthcoming.
Taylor played his best football in the second half of the season, showing leadership for a team that lost its starting quarterback (Will Grier) to a suspension. Early in the year, Taylor was berated on the field by McElwain for making a throat-slashing gesture and drawing a 15-yard penalty in a win over East Carolina. Robinson's season was more tumultuous, finding himself in and out of the starting lineup and ultimately drawing the fourth suspension of his UF career for the Gators' rivalry game against Florida State. Robinson returned for the SEC Championship Game, but drew a personal foul and was held without a catch in a loss to Alabama.
Taylor led UF in rushing this season with 985 yards and 13 touchdowns on 248 carries. He averaged 4 yards per carry behind an offensive line that struggled for much of the season. Taylor played his best game against FSU with a season-high 136 yards on 24 carries in a 27-2 loss. Robinson caught 47 passes, second on the team, for 505 yards and two scores.
McElwain also confirmed that defensive end Alex McCalister will apply for early draft eligibility.
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