Teez Tabor came into his junior season as a Preseason All-American and was already getting talked about as a potential first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. His 32 tackles, four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and five pass breakups haven’t changed that status.
In his first mock draft of the season Todd McShay projected Tabor to the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 18 overall in the first round. That kind of projection would make up most people’s minds but Tabor is holding off on making a decision just yet.
“I’m going to go back home for Christmas, talk with my family and then make a decision,” Tabor said on his process.
After discussing the options with his family and advisors, Tabor will make a final decision but he insists he wants to do it, what he called, the right way.
“If I decide to go, I’ll go out the right way, and if I decide to come back, do it the right way,” Tabor said after Florida’s second bowl practice Friday. “Whichever way it goes I’m going to do it the right way.”
When asked what that meant, he responded by explaining his understanding that making it to the NFL isn’t a solo venture.
“Some guys, they are so ready to leave school they forget everything what everyone has done with you and done for you and helped you at the school. I don’t want to do that if I decide to come out,” Tabor said. “I would give my thanks to everybody: my tutors, my teachers, my advisors, my coaches, the whole Gator Nation because sometimes people forget that. When you [were] here people was helping you. You wasn’t just doing it by yourself.”
Prior to the season, Tabor used the social media app Periscope to hold his own media day. There he was asked if he thought it was “ Jim Thorpe (best defensive back) or bust in 2016. At the time he responded yes, but backed away from that statement on Friday.
“Not really,” he said. “I missed out on some opportunities and it’s a senior award anyway.”
Tabor did acknowledge that a junior (Adoreé Jackson / USC) won the award this year but Jackson played offense, defense and returned punts and kicks on special teams, elevating him in the eyes of the voters.
“You know, First Team All-American, all that type of stuff goes to seniors. Even though Adoree won and he had four picks but he does a lot of other stuff that (elevates him). He’s not just a cornerback,” said Tabor. “I feel like the other two guys had, what, two picks? Maybe. But they seniors though, they get the nod.”
Tabor is expected to leave school early and be a first round pick this year. He insists that he has yet to make a final decision but did get a laugh when reporters pointed out that those “senior awards” could go to him if he came back next year for his senior season.
“Yeah,” he said with a smirk. “Next year.”