ShareFlorida RB Mike Blakely transfers from UF
On Tuesday, Florida lost its third player to transfer in the Will Muschamp era when the Gators announced freshman running back Mike Blakely would transfer from the program.
Blakely, a 5-foot-9, 198-pound early enrollee from Manatee, sat out all of spring practice recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder.
“Mike has come to the conclusion that the University of Florida is not where he wants to play football,’’ Muschamp said. “We wish him the best of luck.’’
Blakely arrived at Florida as one of the highest-touted running backs in the state. He racked up more than 1,400 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns as a junior in high school.
He was named to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in 2011 and had offers from several SEC schools, including Auburn, Ole Miss, South Carolina and Tennessee.
While he missed spring practice, Blakely was expected to compete for playing time in the rotation at running back behind seniors Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey and junior Mike Gillislee.
When reached for comment, Blakely said via text message he has not yet decided where he will transfer.
“Everyone at Florida has been very supportive of me in my time here, and I’m thankful for the experience that I had, but I’ve made a decision to continue my college football career somewhere else,’’ he said.
Blakely’s decision to transfer comes less than one month after wide receivers Javares McRoy and Chris Dunkley transferred from the program.
Derek Tyson and Thomas Goldkamp contributed to this report. Gator Country will update this story as more information becomes available.
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This is unfortunate as we are already a little short on healthy RB’s. I wish him the best of luck…
Whats going on? why is everybody transfering?
Is Will going to shed any light as to whats going on or just keep saying we talked and decided its best to continue somewhere else?
Was really hoping Mike would have a great career at Florida, but if he’s to transfer now is the time, better for everyone involved.
Actually 3 transfers after a near total coaching change is a pretty low number....
Ok let him go. Hopefully now we can get another running back in Keith Marshall. That’s what my hopes are anyways
This makes us look suspect, I hope Thomas G. can get us the real scoop on this. Blakely stuck with his commitment and seemed like a good fit for the Gators.
Probably thought he was going to start and now realizes that it is not going to happen, and that he will be pushed with the class of RBs coming next year.
Hate to lose a great talent like that, but he has to do what is best for him.
based on the depth chart and the fact he was an EE does not make much sense???? hopefully we will hear the real story on this site?
If he doesn’t want to be a Gator, don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
Freakin punk
Do we have a reporter who can investigate why these athletes are leaving? I definitely feel this is a matter worth an investigative report....
Hmm, I agree this doesn’t make sense. Sounds like an emotional decision. Some type of falling out and feelings got hurt? Was this another disciplinary or drug related issue? Hopefully time will tell. All this speculation quite frankly sucks. We want the truth! Got to be more to it....right?