Kadarius Toney’s rapid ascent is complete. The New York Giants selected the wide receiver with the 20th pick in the NFL Draft.
The high school quarterback from Mobile, Alabama, spent his first three seasons in the orange and blue simultaneously electrifying and frustrating the crowd. He embarrassed countless defenders with his elite change of direction and wide array of open-field moves. However, he seemed to trust his natural abilities a little too much, which led to some big negative plays as he ran backwards to try to avoid tackles.
Toney was also little more than a gadget player for three years. He wasn’t a great route-runner, and he struggled with drops. His role consisted almost exclusively of direct snaps, handoffs and screen passes. His presence on the field basically told the defense what was about to happen.
He combined for 419 rushing yards and 606 receiving yards in his first three seasons.
That all changed in 2020. Toney made drastic strides with his route-running and catching over the offseason, which allowed him to be the Gators’ starting slot receiver and get the ball within the normal flow of the offense.
He turned in one of the best seasons by a receiver in UF history, leading the team with 70 catches for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 11 games. He added 161 rushing yards on 19 carries.
He saved the best three games of his career for his last three games. He caught eight passes for 108 yards and a touchdown at Tennessee, nine for 182 yards and a score against LSU and eight for 153 yards and a touchdown against Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.
Toney also returned kickoffs and punts as a senior. He averaged 22.1 yards per return on seven kickoff returns and 12.6 yards on 11 punts, including a touchdown.
Toney’s strong senior season, his versatility and his impressive performance on Pro Day skyrocketed him up draft boards.