UF cornerback Kaiir Elam was named to the Associated Press Preseason All-America Second Team on Monday. It is the first All-American honor of his career.
This is the latest in a long time of preseason accolades for the junior from Riviera Beach, Florida. He was previously named to the watchlists for the Bronco Nagurski Trophy, the Jim Thorpe Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award. Additionally, the media selected him to its preseason All-SEC First Team.
Elam enters the 2021 season with some mock drafts having him being selected among the top-10 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. He started all 12 games in 2020 and recorded 39 tackles, two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, one tackle-for-loss and one fumble recovery.
The SEC’s coaches selected him to the All-SEC First Team after the season, while the Associated Press named him to the second team.
Coach Dan Mullen said Elam brings more value to the team than just his athletic ability.
“The one thing I think that he’s grown into is more of a leadership role back there,” Mullen said. “I think he’s a guy that’s very conscientious, does things the right way, takes care of his business. Obviously, a playmaker on the field, a fabulous student as well in the classroom, really lives up to what the Gator Standard is all about.
“But also, I think now he has the opportunity to realize ‘Hey, I’m the veteran older guy.’ Even though it doesn’t seem like he’s been here forever, that ‘I’m the older veteran guy, and I’ve got to be a leader.’ And he’s bought in to that role as well.”