Harvin goes, Spikes stays at Florida
GAINESVILLE (AP) – Florida Gators football star Percy Harvin is taking his speed, elusiveness and durability concerns to the NFL.
The junior playmaker said Thursday he is leaving school early to turn pro, but linebacker Brandon Spikes will return for his senior season.
Both players announced their intentions Thursday hours before the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft.
Even without Harvin, the Gators likely will be the preseason favorite to win a third national championship in four years, but there’s little doubt Florida will miss its do-it-all receiver.
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound dynamo from Virginia Beach, Va., led the team in receiving and was second in rushing. He caught 40 passes for 644 yards and seven touchdowns, and ran for 660 yards and 10 scores.
He missed five games in three years because of injury and limited in several more, an issue that could keep him from being a top 10 pick in April.
When healthy, Harvin looked like the fastest player on the field. He scored at least once in 15 consecutive games, the longest streak in the nation, and burned defenses while lining up at receiver, running back and even quarterback.
“Percy is the most dynamic player I’ve ever coached and can change the game on any given play,” Gators coach Urban Meyer said. “He has the best first step I’ve ever seen and his ability to plant his foot and go is unmatched. Percy is a relentless competitor who wants to win. We wish him the best of luck and we look forward to having him around our program.”