GatorCountry.com continues its series previewing the players who will make up the 2012 Florida Gators football team this season.
Each day, we’ll count off another scholarship player until the Florida football season officially begins Sept. 1 against Bowling Green in The Swamp.
Today, we take a look at sophomore cornerback Louchiez Purifoy.
History
Loucheiz Purifoy became a Florida Gator in July 2010 after participating in Friday Night Lights. Purifoy called Florida his “dream school” and made it official.
He chose the Gators over Alabama, Miami and Auburn.
As a freshman at Florida, Purifoy’s biggest impact came through special teams. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound cornerback saw significant time on kickoff coverage and punt coverage plays. He played in all 13 games last season and tallied 27 tackles, including 22 special teams tackles, which was the highest on the team. He also forced a fumble in the Gator Bowl against Ohio State.
Player Evaluation
Purifoy showed what he’s all about last season on special teams. He seemingly was in on every play and proved he was one of the hardest working players on the special teams units.
The cornerback from Pine Forest High School in Pensacola, Fla., came into the Gators football program as a raw corner. He has the size and speed to make plays, but sometimes doesn’t put himself in the best position to make a play on the ball.
In high school he played two ways and doesn’t have much experience at the defensive back position. However, his athleticism will help compensate for his lack of experience at the position until he gets enough reps to establish himself as a reliable SEC defensive back.
What to Expect
Although Purifoy served as a backup last season, the Pensacola native has a much higher chance of seeing a starting role this season. Purifoy, Cody Riggs, Marcus Roberson and Jaylen Watkins will be the primary cornerbacks this season, so Purifoy will have significantly more opportunities to prove himself on the field.
It’s tough to judge how he’ll perform on defense since he doesn’t have much experience, but if he brings the same intensity and determination from last season on special teams, success will soon follow Purifoy in 2012.