University of Florida safety Marcus Maye became the second Florida Gators player taken in the 2017 NFL Draft when the New York Jets selected him 39th overall in the second round.
The Melbourne, Fla., native had a lot of options coming out of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy as the fifth rated safety in the country, but he ended up at Florida in 2012. He redshirted in his first season with the Gators.
Maye was a key player on special teams throughout his career and he got in the action as a part of Florida’s strong secondary unit early, playing in all 12 games and getting two starts at safety as a redshirt freshman.
He solidified a regular starting spot in 2014, moving around between the safety and nickel positions. Maye led the defensive backs with 62 tackles as a redshirt sophomore and had a team-leading 12 red zone defensive plays.
Maye was named a First Team All-American by Pro Football Focus and USA Today following his redshirt junior season. He had 82 tackles, two interceptions, six pass breakups and forced five fumbles for the second most in the country.
After his breakout season, Maye had to option to leave for the NFL Draft, but he decided it was in his best interest to stay with the Gators for his final season.
Maye was on his way to another outstanding campaign before breaking his left arm on senior day against South Carolina. Despite his season being cut short, he tied for fourth on the team with 50 tackles while recording one sack, one interception and breaking up six passes. His fifth career interception, and his only of 2016, came in the South Carolina game prior to his injury.
He was named Second Team All-SEC by several media outlets for his performance in the first nine games of his redshirt senior season.
Maye was still recovering from his injury and could not showcase his skills at the NFL Combine, but his draft stock soared after an outstanding performance in Florida’s pro day.
He looks to continue Florida’s tradition of producing top NFL defensive backs and has the potential to make an immediate impact with New York. Maye is the second safety the Jets drafted, joining LSU Tiger Jamal Adams. Maye will also link up with former teammates Frankie Hammond and Jonotthan Harrison in New York.