Gators receiver Justin Shorter declares for NFL draft

Gator Country has confirmed that Gators receiver Justin Shorter will declare for the 2023 NFL draft.

Shorter took to Instagram to announce his decision.

“I want to thank my Lord and Savior for blessing me with the opportunity, talent, desire and drive to allow me to fulfill my dream of playing college football at the highest level! The journey wouldn’t have been possible without the endless love and support from my family.

From my time playing at Penn State, to the past three seasons in Gainesville playing for the University of Florida, I am beyond fortunate to have many of my goals and dreams come true. Thank you to Coach Gattis and Coach Franklin for giving me my first opportunity to at Penn State; Coach Gonzalez and Coach Mullen for bringing me to Gainesville; and Coach Napier and Coach KC for continuing to develop my skills and sharpen my craft each and every day in preparation for the next phase of my journey. Thank you to the support staff (nutrition, trainers, equipment, player development, communications, branding, educational leaders). And last, thank you to my teammates (my brothers) for making these years some of the most memorable of my life.

After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to sit out from the Bowl game and begin my training for the 2023 NFL Draft. I am excited for what the future holds and thank everyone for your continued prayers and support! Always a Gator.”

Shorter, a five-star recruit in the 2018 class, spent two seasons at Penn State before arriving in Gainesville for his final.

Shorter posted his best season to date in 2022, catching 29 passes for 577 yards and two touchdowns in just nine games. He averaged 19.9 yards per catch and exceled in one-on-one coverage.

His 6-4, 223-pound frame will be interesting to watch at the NFL combine.

Shorter was eligible for one more season due to the Covid year, but decided to accept an invitation to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl and declare for the NFL draft.

Justin Shorter will not participate in the Bowl game, meaning Florida is down Whittemore, Reynolds, and Shorter at the receiver position.

 

 

Nick Marcinko
Nick is a recent graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in Telecommunications. He is passionate about all sports but specifically baseball and football. Nick interned at Inside the Gators and worked part time with Knights247 before joining the Gator Country family. Nick enjoys spending his free time golfing and at the beach.