WRs Javares McRoy, Chris Dunkley to transfer from Florida

On Friday, the Florida Gators football team announced suspended redshirt freshman Chris Dunkley and true freshman Javares McRoy will transfer from the program.

Dunkley was suspended from the team during spring practice for academics reasons, according to head coach Will Muschamp.

The 6-foot,172-pound receiver from Pahokee did not see any playing time during his freshman season after a lingering hamstring injury limited him in fall practice.

He was considered one of Florida’s top prospects in the 2010 recruiting class and was an Under Armour All-American during his senior season in high school.

“It’s been a great learning experience being here at the University of Florida, but I feel like it’s in my best interest to get a fresh start somewhere else,” he said in a press release.

McRoy, a 5-foot-9, 159-pound freshman from Lakeland, signed with Florida in February and participated in the first half of spring football practice.

He was sidelined with a “medical procedure” on his lung at the end of March, and the timetable for his return was unclear after the spring game.

His brother Benjamin is a sophomore running back at Texas Tech and played in 12 games last season, finishing with 149 yards on 22 carries.

The Red Raiders recruited both Benjamin and Javares out of high school, and both brothers committed to Texas Tech in December 2009. Javares later changed his mind and decided to go to Florida.

Reuniting with his brother was one of the reasons McRoy decided to leave Florida after just one semester.

“I enjoyed my time at Florida, but I really want the chance to play with my brother Ben, who is at Texas Tech,” McRoy said. “Florida has been very understanding and is giving me that opportunity.”

At Lakeland High School, McRoy was an explosive playmaker. He was named first-team all-state in 5A following his junior season in high school, and he ran a 10.65 in the 100 meter dash as a sophomore.

The two receivers are the first players to transfer from the program since Muschamp’s arrival.

“We wish both of these guys the best of luck in their future endeavors, both on and off the field,” Muschamp said.