Gator Country

Sophomore tight end Gerald Christian (pictured) will transfer from Florida along with former high school teammate and current sophomore wide receiver Robert Clark. / Gator Country photo by Tim Casey

On Tuesday, the University of Florida announced that two sophomore players, tight end Gerald Christian and wide receiver Robert Clark, will transfer from the program.

Both players were in their second year with the program after coming from William T. Dwyer High School in Palm Beach Gardens.

“Both of these players have expressed a desire for more playing time and felt that it would be in their best interests to transfer,” Florida head coach Will Muschamp said in a university release. “We wish them both the best of luck and appreciate their contributions to the program.”

Christian had played sparingly through his first two seasons with Florida, mostly at tight end. He had four catches for 72 yards and one touchdown through the first seven games of the season.

During spring football practice, Christian began as the starting strong-side linebacker, before injuries forced him back to the tight end position, where he spent his freshman season.

Despite injuries to Jordan Reed and A.C. Leonard at the tight end position this season, Christian was unable to get many snaps.

“I’m looking for an opportunity to play more,” Christian in the release. “I have no bad feelings about Florida or the coaching staff, I just want to get a fresh start and see the field more.”

Clark had also played sparingly in his first two seasons with the Gators. He had not recorded a stat for Florida in seven games at receiver, though he fielded two punts.

He was responsible for a muffed punt late against Auburn that cost Florida a possession late in the fourth quarter in a one-score game.

The receiver finished his freshman season with seven catches for 69 yards and one touchdown.

“I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Gator program but at the same time I’m excited about future opportunities to play more,” Clark said. “I will have nothing but good memories from my time in Gainesville.”

Their transfers leave Florida with just 72 players on scholarship for the 2011 season. Four of those players were walk-ons who were awarded scholarships in fall practice.

About the author

Thomas Goldkamp

Thomas Goldkamp is the Gator Country beat reporter for football and basketball. He graduated from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications and has been covering the Florida Gators since late 2009. He previously worked as a freelancer on the Rivals network, as well as at the Palm Beach Post. You can find his latest stories here.

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