TE Michael McFarland transfers from Florida

Just days after the Florida Gators announced redshirt freshman Chris Martin transferred from the program, UF announced he will be joined by redshirt freshman tight end Michael McFarland.

Transfers have become quite common for the Gators since new head coach Will Muschamp’s arrival, as McFarland marks the sixth player to leave the program since the new head coach took over.

“Michael and I have come to the conclusion that it is in his best interest to transfer from the University of Florida,” Muschamp said in a press release. “We wish him the best as he continues his career somewhere else.”

In addition to McFarland, wide receivers Javares McRoy and Chris Dunkley transferred, running back Mike Blakely transferred and Martin transferred. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins left the team following his second citation for marijuana.

McRoy went to Texas Tech, Dunkley went to South Florida, Blakely went to Auburn and Jenkins went to North Alabama.

Martin and McFarland have not yet said where they will transfer.

McFarland is a 6-foot-6, 235-pound redshirt freshman who dressed for three games in 2010 but did not play. He was held out of Florida’s spring game in April with an ankle injury.

He was initially asked by Florida to grayshirt in 2010, but the Gators changed their mind and awarded him a scholarship right away.

He was expected to compete for limited playing time at the second tight end position, known as the “F-12” position in new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis’ system.

His departure leaves Florida shallow on the depth chart at tight end, with only redshirt sophomore Jordan Reed and true freshman A.C. Leonard currently at the position.

Sophomore Gerald Christian split time between tight end, fullback and linebacker during spring football practice, but will likely play almost exclusively on offense following McFarland’s transfer.