Florida offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 59th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The four-year collegiate starter spent his first three seasons at Louisiana before transferring to Florida for his final year. In 2022, Torrence finished as the top-rated guard in the nation with a grade of 88.0 and tied for the top run-blocking grade of 89.9, according to PFF. Torrence played in 3,065 career snaps and didn’t allow a sack while only allowing one quarterback hit. In his final collegiate season, he did not commit a penalty.
The First Team All-SEC selection in 2022 helped lead the Gators’ offense to fourth all-time with an average of 5.5 yards per carry.
Florida Head Coach Billy Napier commented on O’Cyrus Torrence while appearing on ESPN Radio and NFL Radio SirumXM leading up to the NFL Draft.
“O’Cyrus is the opposite of Anthony. He has a huge sample size of plays. He’s a four-year starter. Played over 3000 snaps,” Billy Napier said. “This guy played three years in the Sun Belt and then made the move to the SEC and proved himself this year. All the measurements are there, although he was a Group of Five player, he’s 6-5 335 pounds. Football comes easy to him, he’s really bright. He’s got great instincts. He’s good in the run game and plays with power, can move people, but also plays long in the pass game. Can win those one on ones there inside with some of those tough matchups. This guy can step in there for you and play right away. I think he’s humble, comes from great people. Grew up raised by his grandma in a small community in Louisiana. He’s durable, he’s tough and he’s been a very consistent person as well as a player.” – Gators Head Coach Billy Napier on Fitz and Harry on ESPN Radio (April 26, 2023)
“First of all, the guy is really instinctive when it comes to football,” Napier said on Torrence making a smooth transition to the SEC from Louisiana.”He’s a quick learner. His first game of his college career, the starter in front of him got hurt, he’s jogging out there in the first possession of the game and the rest is history. But, he’s a really quick learner, great character, very unassuming. Kind of lives a simple life, from a small community in Louisiana. Guy is a great teammate, but ultimately the guy has traits. He has the measurables. He’s 6-foot-five, 335 pounds. Plays with tremendous power and length. Good in the run game, can move people, but has also been outstanding in protection. This is the opposite of Anthony Richardson. This guy has played close to 3500 snaps in his career. There’s a huge sample size. Three years of group of five play, but now, a year against the best players in the country in the Southeastern Conference. This is a guy, in my opinion, can plug and play as a day one starter. The proofs in the pudding. He’s not only proved it on film, but in every measurable. I think the guy is off the charter. Cybo has been a pleasure to be around. I can’t compliment his work ethic, his durability, his toughness. He has been a very consistent player and person for us throughout his career.” – Gators Head Coach Billy Napier on The Blitz on NFL Radio SiriusXM (April 25, 2023)
Torrence becomes the 17th Gators’ guard drafted since 1967; tied for second most in SEC (Georgia leads with 20).
Torrence’s selection marks the first-ever draft in Florida history to have a QB, DL and OG all selected in the same year.